Thursday, January 19, 2012

First Green Bank in Mount Dora to showcase newest technology for environmental efficiency

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – First Green Bank’s newest headquarters facility in Mount Dora, which will host its official “Grand Green Opening” on Saturday, Feb 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a marvel of modern environmental engineering that’s as much a museum of science and technology as a working bank.

Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said he plans to host tours of the bank facility to show off the building’s environmental features, including a unique “living wall” system that helps reduce CO2 and VOC.

“This is the way of the future,” LaRoe said, “and we are very proud to unveil this technology here in Lake County.”

A rooftop solar panel system will generate 17 percent of the total operating energy the building will need, LaRoe said. New LEED parking lights utilize only 20 percent of the typical energy requirements to generate 14,000 lumens — more than enough light to keep the area secure without adding to “ambient light pollution” that blacks out stars and confuses nocturnal wildlife.

Inside, specially designed fluorescent lighting and automated lighting controls reduce energy usage by almost 40 percent.

Ninety percent of the bank’s workers have windows to capitalize on daylight and reduce indoor electrical consumption.

And not just any windows! Engineers designed special green screens, efficient glazing and exterior shades to block infrared heat and decrease energy demand for interior cooling.

Building materials were selected for their environmental qualities. Structured steel studs that reinforce walls were made from 100 percent recycled steel. The plaster finish was made from natural American clay that is non-toxic and environmentally benign. The cedar wood canopy above the drive-through tellers is made from 100 percent locally reclaimed wood. And pine trees removed to make way for the building were used for building construction and interior décor.

“There’s a lot of Lake County in this building,” LaRoe said.

The building’s “butterfly roof” was designed to collect rain water for use in irrigating the Florida native landscaping, and roofing vegetation and reflective material further reduce the building’s energy needs.

The air-conditioning system funnels more than 80,000 gallons of condensate annually to a special cistern so it can be reused to flush toilets and irrigate indoor plants. Altogether, First Green Bank’s water usage is almost 80 percent more efficient than comparably sized buildings in Florida.

Only the second commercial building in Florida to claim the U.S. Green Building Council’s prized LEED standard, First Green Bank was designed to stand out as a local landmark.

“We are a local community bank with a global mission and we are proud of our Lake County heritage,” LaRoe said.

Beazer Homes opens new phase with 81 home sites at Dupree Lakes in Land O’Lakes

TAMPA, Fla. --- Beazer Homes has opened a new phase with 81 home sites in Dupree Lakes, a residential community located on Wood Violet Court in Land O’Lakes between Collier Parkway and Land O’Lakes Boulevards (US41).

Ed Suchora market manager for Beazer Homes in the Tampa Bay region said the 65-foot home sites will accommodate new single-family homes that range in size from 2,500 square feet of living space to 3,400 square feet, priced from the $230s.

Suchora said Beazer Homes plans to unveil new floor plans at Dupree Lakes that include four, five and six bedroom single-family homes with three-car garages.

Visit www.beazer.com. Dupree Lakes is open 10-6 Tuesday through Saturday and Noon to 6 Sunday and Monday.

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."

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Lease in Maitland Center

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,991 square feet of office space in suite 104 at 1015 Maitland Center Commons Blvd.

Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered the transaction representing the Maitland-based landlord, 1015 Maitland Center Commons, LLC and the tenant, Internet Performance Group, LLC.

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, serving 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 350 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.

Del Webb Ponte Vedra to Host Community Event including Car Show, Live Entertainment at its Model Park Feb. 4

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. --- Del Webb Ponte Vedra will showcase nine model homes at a community event Saturday, Feb. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Del Webb model park.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in the North Florida region, said the event will include a car show, live entertainment, plenty of food and beverages and prizes.

“We’re hosting receptions in five of our nine model homes with gourmet foods and non-alcoholic beverages,” Strickler said. Foods range from tea sandwiches and wraps to shrimp and crab dips, crudités, marinated artichoke hearts, shallot dipping sauce and gourmet cookies.

Prospective homebuyers are invited to tour the models where resident ambassadors will be on hand to answer any questions about why they chose to purchase at Del Webb Ponte Vedra and what they like about living there. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look while enjoying food and entertainment, and may even meet potential neighbors at Del Webb Ponte Vedra.

“This is our busiest time of the year,” Strickler said. “We have many guests and visitors who are here for the winter season and we are looking forward to entertaining them at Del Webb Ponte Vedra,” he said.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

VOLUSIA LAW FIRM TO HELP SPONSOR FLAGLER ROTARY CLUB’S CYCLING AND 5K EVENTS NEXT MONTH

FLAGLER BEACH – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra is a Gold sponsor of the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach’s Run Flagler 2012 and Cycle Flagler 2012, scheduled for Feb. 11.

The 5K event, dubbed the 5K Race of the Runways, will be held at the Flagler County Airport. The cycling event, the 9th annual Cycle Flagler, is a tour of Flagler County’s best scenic highways. Cycle tours will be for 25, 40, 62 and 100 miles.

“We’re happy to help the Rotary Club with two such exciting events that give so much back to our communities,” said, John Rue, a partner in the personal-injury law firm.

The events are the primary fund-raising activities for the Rotary Club and funds raised from each stay here in the community, according to Rotary Event Director Kim Carney√.

For details or to register for either event, contact Carney at 386-846-5493 or kimcarney@cfl.rr.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.