APOLLO BEACH –When Pentagon worker Elaine Hill Brock left her job as a confidential assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force to work with a downtown law firm, she thought her Washington, D.C. days of long hours, stressful work and top-secret information were behind her.
But, that was only the beginning, as her move across the Potomac River from the Pentagon was a mere four months before the tragedy of Sept. 11.
“I felt I should have been in the Pentagon with my friends and the people I had worked with all those years,” she said, recalling the events of the catastrophe and the days that followed.
So, when Brock decided to retire in 2011, the North Carolina native set her sights on sunny Florida and ended up at Del Webb Southshore Falls community in Apollo Beach.
“I decided to strike out on my own and see what life held in store for me,” she said. That’s when she discovered the 233-acre community that is Del Webb Southshore Falls.
“Washington D.C. is a wonderful place to live but, it’s very fast paced and takes a lot of energy,” said Brock, 66. “Del Webb Southshore Falls has a very casual and easy-going lifestyle that appeals to me.”
Not knowing anyone in the area, Brock – a mother and now, grandmother – immediately joined the singles group, the book club, and went to Pub Night, just a few of the activities offered at Del Webb Southshore Falls, according to Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Pulte Homes North Florida Division.
“Del Webb Southshore Falls really does offer something for residents of all activity levels,” Strickler said. “Our Wellspring Club is popular with everyone.”
Some of the features of the 14,000-square-foot club are a heated lagoon-style pool, a resistance-walking pool, an auxiliary pool, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, Internet café, billiards and game rooms, a grand ballroom, tennis, bocce ball and pickleball courts, and a putting green.
When she isn’t at the beach or pool, riding her bike, practicing yoga or reading, Brock says she’s usually hanging out with her best friend and constant companion, “Sophie,” her Basset Hound.
And, unlike at some age 55 and up communities, having a dog like Sophie is a welcome addition at Del Webb Southshore Falls.
“I enjoy running into all the other dog owners along the sidewalks and trails, but I’ve been pushing for a dog park,” she hinted.
She said she selected Del Webb Southshore Falls based on several factors, including its proximity to the ocean, the safety of a gated community, the beautifully-kept grounds, and the friendliness of both staff and residents.
“I can drive into Tampa if I feel the need for a little culture: theater, concerts, upscale shopping, etc. or just relax at one of the local restaurants,” she said.
In less than a year since she moved in, Brock says she’s met many incredible people and made what she considers lifelong friends.
“I broke my foot back in November and was astounded at the number of people who came to my aid and helped me through this calamity,” she said.
She added that the only downside of her move to Florida is that her family - son Christopher, daughter-in-law Lauren, and grandchildren Ethan and Becca - all still live in Ashburn, Va.
But then, isn’t that what guest rooms are for?
Friday, June 1, 2012
Villages of Royal Palm Opens Two Move-In-Ready Luxury Homes, Two More Underway and Three More to Start Construction Before End of Year
PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange, recently opened two ready-to-move-in luxury homes.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development in South Daytona Beach, developer of The Villages of Royal Palm, said two additional ready-to-move-in luxury homes are under construction now and three more will get underway before the end of the year.
Schwartz said all seven homes will range in size from 1,300 square feet of living space to 2,200 square feet priced from the $160s.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development in South Daytona Beach, developer of The Villages of Royal Palm, said two additional ready-to-move-in luxury homes are under construction now and three more will get underway before the end of the year.
Schwartz said all seven homes will range in size from 1,300 square feet of living space to 2,200 square feet priced from the $160s.
Integrity Home Loan has unique Reverse Mortgage Solution for Active Adults Who Want to Sell Their Home and Retire to Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida has a unique solution for active adults who need to sell their family home in order to retire to Florida: a reverse mortgage will give them the cash now to invest in a retirement home.
Cynthia J. Meyers, CSA, CLTC, senior mortgage specialist at Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida working out of Integrity’s Pine Street office in downtown Orlando, said that for some active adults a reverse mortgage makes the perfect solution.
“Many active adults have put off retirement until they can sell their home up north and use the proceeds to buy a retirement home in Florida,” Meyers said.
“A reverse mortgage can make a great deal of sense,” Meyers explained. “They can use the cash to buy a retirement home now instead of waiting until the real estate market fully recovers,” she said.
Homes that are currently listed for sale won’t qualify. But the solution to that dilemma is simple, Meyers said.
“To qualify for a reverse mortgage the home must be removed from the MLS listing of homes for sale,” Meyers explained. “After the reverse mortgage is approved, the home can be placed on the market for sale again,” she said.
“Once you move into a retirement home, it becomes a primary residence and it qualifies for a reverse mortgage,” Meyers said. “And the owner can use the reverse mortgage money to start enjoying their retirement now,” she added.
Reverse mortgages may not work for everyone, Meyers cautioned.
Generally speaking, reverse mortgages have suffered the same fate as the housing market.
“The amount of equity available to a senior home owner has been affected by the general decline in housing values. In some cases that loss of equity is too much for the program to work,” Meyers said.
“However, working with their financial advisors, we can develop attractive alternatives. Many homeowners are choosing to eliminate their monthly mortgage expenses and take advantage of reverse mortgages,” she said.
Meyers said the reverse mortgage option is one solution to the retirement dilemma that should be considered with trusted financial advisors.
“For couples who are in the right position, a reverse mortgage can pave the way to their dream of Florida retirement, or retirement anywhere else,” Meyers said.
Cynthia J. Meyers, CSA, CLTC, senior mortgage specialist at Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida working out of Integrity’s Pine Street office in downtown Orlando, said that for some active adults a reverse mortgage makes the perfect solution.
“Many active adults have put off retirement until they can sell their home up north and use the proceeds to buy a retirement home in Florida,” Meyers said.
“A reverse mortgage can make a great deal of sense,” Meyers explained. “They can use the cash to buy a retirement home now instead of waiting until the real estate market fully recovers,” she said.
Homes that are currently listed for sale won’t qualify. But the solution to that dilemma is simple, Meyers said.
“To qualify for a reverse mortgage the home must be removed from the MLS listing of homes for sale,” Meyers explained. “After the reverse mortgage is approved, the home can be placed on the market for sale again,” she said.
“Once you move into a retirement home, it becomes a primary residence and it qualifies for a reverse mortgage,” Meyers said. “And the owner can use the reverse mortgage money to start enjoying their retirement now,” she added.
Reverse mortgages may not work for everyone, Meyers cautioned.
Generally speaking, reverse mortgages have suffered the same fate as the housing market.
“The amount of equity available to a senior home owner has been affected by the general decline in housing values. In some cases that loss of equity is too much for the program to work,” Meyers said.
“However, working with their financial advisors, we can develop attractive alternatives. Many homeowners are choosing to eliminate their monthly mortgage expenses and take advantage of reverse mortgages,” she said.
Meyers said the reverse mortgage option is one solution to the retirement dilemma that should be considered with trusted financial advisors.
“For couples who are in the right position, a reverse mortgage can pave the way to their dream of Florida retirement, or retirement anywhere else,” Meyers said.
Florida Business Incubator Association to host Bi-Annual Conference at University of Florida’s Florida Innovation Hub
ORLANDO, Fla., ---- The Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA), a professional network that includes 28 business incubators located throughout Florida, will host its bi-annual meeting on Thursday, June 7, at the Innovation Hub at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Dr. Tom O’Neal, president of the Florida Business Incubation Association and founder and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said nearly 30 business incubation programs in Florida will be represented at the meeting.
The conference will feature presentations on crowd source funding for startup businesses, Enterprise Florida programs to support and strengthen startup enterprises, global marketing, intellectual property, business models and commercialization of public research, O’Neal said.
Presenters include Jay Robinson, Director of Capital Programs at Enterprise Florida; Jamie Grooms, CEO of the Florida Institute for Commercialization of Public Research; Brian R. Stanton, Ph.D., former Director of the Division of Policy at the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Technology Transfer; Jorge Arce, Office Director of the U.S. Commercial Service; and Keith Allaun, managing director of Critical Point Solutions, LLC.
Dr. O’Neal said the conference will include tours of both the Innovation Hub and the University of Florida’s Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator.
“This is the largest gathering of business incubation professionals in Florida, and our mission is to support the development of start-up firms that can create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, commercialize new technologies, and strengthen local and national economies,” Dr. O’Neal said.
“The Florida Business Incubation Association has grown steadily since its launch in 1998 and together we rank as one of the most important economic development initiatives in Florida,” he said.
About the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA)
Since its founding in 1998, the Florida Business Incubation Association has held bi-annual statewide meetings and been a unified voice for all the Florida incubators. FBIA plays an integral role in developing and/or identifying programs that help provide greater service to incubator clients. FBIA teams up annually with the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) to award conference scholarship opportunities to Florida incubation professionals. Please visit FBIA on www.fbiaonline.org or on Facebook on www.facebook.com/FLBIA
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 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Dr. Tom O’Neal, president of the Florida Business Incubation Association and founder and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said nearly 30 business incubation programs in Florida will be represented at the meeting.
The conference will feature presentations on crowd source funding for startup businesses, Enterprise Florida programs to support and strengthen startup enterprises, global marketing, intellectual property, business models and commercialization of public research, O’Neal said.
Presenters include Jay Robinson, Director of Capital Programs at Enterprise Florida; Jamie Grooms, CEO of the Florida Institute for Commercialization of Public Research; Brian R. Stanton, Ph.D., former Director of the Division of Policy at the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Technology Transfer; Jorge Arce, Office Director of the U.S. Commercial Service; and Keith Allaun, managing director of Critical Point Solutions, LLC.
Dr. O’Neal said the conference will include tours of both the Innovation Hub and the University of Florida’s Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator.
“This is the largest gathering of business incubation professionals in Florida, and our mission is to support the development of start-up firms that can create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, commercialize new technologies, and strengthen local and national economies,” Dr. O’Neal said.
“The Florida Business Incubation Association has grown steadily since its launch in 1998 and together we rank as one of the most important economic development initiatives in Florida,” he said.
About the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA)
Since its founding in 1998, the Florida Business Incubation Association has held bi-annual statewide meetings and been a unified voice for all the Florida incubators. FBIA plays an integral role in developing and/or identifying programs that help provide greater service to incubator clients. FBIA teams up annually with the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) to award conference scholarship opportunities to Florida incubation professionals. Please visit FBIA on www.fbiaonline.org or on Facebook on www.facebook.com/FLBIA
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 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
June Island Party at Home of Hawaiian Tropic Founder to Benefit Animals at Halifax Humane Society
ORMOND BEACH – The law firm of Rue & Ziffra – a sponsor of Halifax Humane Society’s June 2 “Island Party” – is asking the community to join them in supporting the fundraiser at the home of Hawaiian Tropic founder Ron Rice.
The $50-a-person event, which is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m., will feature live music from The Alex Kinsey Band, as well as silent auction and raffle items, island fare from Amber Jewel’s Catering, beer, wine and specialty cocktails.
“We’re excited to sponsor this event to help the humane society raise much-needed funds for the animals in their care,” said Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the Port Orange-based firm.
The proceeds will be used to provide housing and medical care, low-cost spays and neuters, grief counseling, humane education, free adoptions for those who can’t afford standard fees, and an emergency fund to help prevent owner give-ups.
Parking for the event will be provided behind LuLu's Oceanside Grill at 30 S. Atlantic Ave., and a shuttle will take guests to and from the party. For more information, or to reserve tickets, visit www.HHSIslandParty.org.
Last year’s inaugural “Island Party” raised more than $20,000 for the animal shelter, and organizers say they hope to best than amount by $15,000 this year.
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.
The $50-a-person event, which is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m., will feature live music from The Alex Kinsey Band, as well as silent auction and raffle items, island fare from Amber Jewel’s Catering, beer, wine and specialty cocktails.
“We’re excited to sponsor this event to help the humane society raise much-needed funds for the animals in their care,” said Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the Port Orange-based firm.
The proceeds will be used to provide housing and medical care, low-cost spays and neuters, grief counseling, humane education, free adoptions for those who can’t afford standard fees, and an emergency fund to help prevent owner give-ups.
Parking for the event will be provided behind LuLu's Oceanside Grill at 30 S. Atlantic Ave., and a shuttle will take guests to and from the party. For more information, or to reserve tickets, visit www.HHSIslandParty.org.
Last year’s inaugural “Island Party” raised more than $20,000 for the animal shelter, and organizers say they hope to best than amount by $15,000 this year.
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.
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