Ryland Homes Starts Presales of ENERGY STAR® Certified Single-Family Homes with Brick exteriors at Foxfield in Mooresville – Model Underway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- Ryland Homes has started construction on a new five-bedroom, two-story ENERGY STAR® certified luxury model home at Foxfield, Ryland’s newest community in the Charlotte region, located off Hwy. 115 just east of I-77 on East Waterlynn Road in Mooresville in the Lake Norman area. Krista Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charlotte region, said the Reseda model offers 3,564 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage priced from $320,990. The Reseda two-story luxury home features brick exteriors on all four sides, a formal living room, a formal dining room, an upstairs bonus room, master bedroom sitting area, and optional fifth bedroom and full bath downstairs. Long said the Reseda model also offers options that include two additional full baths upstairs and a screened porch or sunroom. Ryland Homes is building 20 luxury homes in the first phase at Foxfield and plans to build 104 new homes altogether. Long said presales are underway of Ryland’s three, four and five-bedroom single-family homes available in eight distinctive floor plans at Foxfield. New homes range in size from 2,388 square feet of living space to over 3,564 square feet and are priced from the $270s. All new homes in the 52+ acre community offer brick exteriors on all four sides, Long said, along with the coveted ENERGY STAR® certification for energy efficiency and environmental quality.

Ryland Homes Opens Ravens Ridge on Stoney Point Road in South Forsyth County

ATLANTA, Ga. --- Ryland Homes recently opened Ravens Ridge, a new gated community located off of Peachtree Parkway approximately one mile south of exit #13 off of Ga. Hwy 400 in South Forsyth County. Bill Carter, vice president of sales and marketing at Ryland Homes in the Atlanta region, said Ryland will begin marketing Ravens Ridge from their Ravenswood model. Ravens Ridge offers six of the homebuilder’s most popular floor plans in its Georgian and Masters Collections. “All of our homes in Ravens Ridge will feature four sides brick, granite countertops in the kitchen and most will come with side-entry garages,” Carter said. Altogether, Ryland plans to build 30 single family homes at Ravens Ridge. The home sites in Ravens Ridge will average over one-third of an acre. Four and five bedroom homes at Ravens Ridge will be priced from the mid $300s and will range in size from 3,318 square feet of living space to over 5,000 square feet. “The oversized home sites in a gated community that’s in a commuter friendly location with access to great schools will provide our home buyers with an unparalleled value for the area,” Carter added. For more information, visit www.ryland.com

RedTail Golf Club in Sorrento rolls out fleet of 72 shiny new ClubCar Precedent i2L Excel Golf Carts

ORLANDO, Fla. --- RedTail Golf Club, located in Sorrento, recently launched a fleet of 72 sporty new ClubCar Precedent i2L Golf Carts. Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, which operates RedTail Golf Club, said the new Precedent i2Ls are powered by the most efficient drive train in the golf cart industry and a suspension that rides more like a sports car than an electric cart. “Mile for mile, the new Precedent i2L electric cart is the best of its kind,” Garrote said. Recently one more addition was made at RedTail: a new beverage cart that is already servicing guests and members, Garrote said.

Del Webb Southshore Falls Starts Development of Final Phase of Single-Family Home Sites

Apollo Beach, Fla. --- Del Webb Southshore Falls has started development of the final phase of single-family home sites at the popular active-adult community located on Sunset Falls Drive off S. Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) in Apollo Beach. Scott Teal, sales consultant for Del Webb Southshore Falls, said the new home sites include some real gems---and very few backyard neighbors. “Almost all of the home sites in the new phase back up to conservation areas, offering homebuyers more privacy, and many of them are bordered by the beautiful Shady Glen Trail System,” Teal explained. “The neighborhood design allowed for many private back yards, oversized home sites and we really saved the best for last. The great part is that the HOA takes care of the yard maintenance so you can have an oversized home site and not have the burden of taking care of it,” said Teal, Two and three-bedroom single-family homes in the new phase at Del Webb Southshore Falls will range in size from 1,730 square feet of living space to 2,278 square feet with two to three bedrooms and two baths. Home owners in the new phase at Del Webb Southshore Falls will have access to the 14,000-square foot Wellspring Club with its Seven Seas Grand Ballroom, heated tropical lagoon-style swimming pool, auxiliary pool and resistance swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts, putting green, billiards room, Internet Café, library, card room, arts and crafts room and social clubs.

Hendricks & Partners Acquired By Berkshire Hathaway Joint Venture Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC

Orlando, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies, has been acquired by Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC, a joint venture of investment giant Berkshire Hathaway and Leucadia National Corporation, a major U.S. holding company with diverse investments. Cole Whitaker, partner who heads Hendricks & Partners in the southeast, said the new firm is now called Hendricks-Berkadia. “The acquisition brings substantial new resources to our work negotiating acquisitions and sales of investment-grade multi-family properties,” Whitaker said. In 2012, Whitaker and Associate Partner Hal Warren sold some 2,400 units and negotiated 525 acres in land transactions. “Berkadia Commercial Mortgage unites two of the great financial powerhouses and Hendricks-Berkadia is now able to provide sound access to financing for major acquisitions,” Whitaker said. Whitaker, one of the Central Florida region’s most prolific brokers of multi-family properties, joined Hendricks & Partners three-and-a-half years ago.

46 Foot Exhibit Wall in Newly Remodeled Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club Sales Center Tells History of ICI Homes

Ormond Beach, Fla. --- A 46 foot long display at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club’s newly remodeled sales center in Ormond Beach tells the history of Daytona community developer ICI Homes with a unique blend of maps and pictures and soon, a touch-screen video display. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes, said the display is a look back at ICI Homes’ 34 years of experience creating luxury communities from the Volusia area to Orlando and north to Jacksonville. Messina said the display---more than four feet tall---while looking back, focuses squarely on the future for prospective home buyers. “The new display wall provides a very clear picture of the luxury amenities at Plantation Bay and all the options available to customize a wide array of luxury homes,” Messina said. The most popular displays come near the end. “The section that illustrates Plantation Bay’s award-winning eFactor energy-wise engineering and construction is the one that garners the most interest,” Messina explained. Messina said ICI Homes took more than a month to extensively remodel the 1,188 square foot sales center but it was well worth the effort. “This is the first impression many people get when they come to visit Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club,” Messina said. “It’s a real showplace.” Unveiling of the Plantation Bay remodeled sales center and exhibit wall will be held for all Volusia/Flagler Realtors on Feb. 7 from 5-7 p.m. To RSVP, call Audrey at 386-437-4164.

RYLAND HOMES CHARLESTON DIVISION NAMES NEW SALES COUNSELOR

Charleston/Myrtle Beach, S.C. – Ryland Homes in the Charleston/Myrtle Beach region recently named Tina Jones a new home sales counselor for its community of Brickhope Plantation in Goose Creek. Don McDonough, division president for Ryland Homes in the Charleston region said Jones has more than 16 years of experience as a top producer in new home sales with community developers and other national homebuilders in South Carolina. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, a licensed realtor and she received the coveted sales professional certification from National Assn of Homebuilders. “We expect Tina to continue her superlative career and play a major role in our growth and development in the Charleston-Myrtle Beach region,” said McDonough. Ryland Homes builds three, four and five bedroom single family homes at Brickhope Plantation priced from the $130s.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease for 3,512 Square Feet at Boardwalk Plaza near UCF to Graffiti Junktion

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for a 3,512 square foot unit to Graffiti Junktion in the Boardwalk Plaza at 3100 Alafaya Trail in Oviedo. NAI Realvest principals Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Boardwalk Plaza LLC of Gardena, Calif. The tenant ANAJ Investments LLC will operate a Graffiti Junktion American Burger Bar at the location. This will be the fifth location for Graffiti Junktion in Orlando and brings Boardwalk Plaza’s occupancy up to 100 percent.

NAI Realvest Leases Office Space to Osceola County for County and State Health clinic in Poinciana CommerCenter East

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long term lease with Osceola County at Poinciana CommerCenter East in Kissimmee for a new health clinic for Osceola County and State of Florida. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest brokered the transaction representing the landlord and developer, Small Bay Partners, LLC of Maitland. Osceola County leased 5,460 square feet of office space at 1701 and 1705 Business Center Lane. The tenant also leased a temporary space at 1723 Business Center Lane with 1,620 square feet until build-out of 1701 and 1705 is completed and ready for move-in.

Winston James Development Negotiates New Lease at Aloma Business Center

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Winston James Development recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 938 square feet at its Aloma Business Center on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. Winston Schwartz, a president of Winston-James Development, based in South Daytona, said the new tenant is Hair in the Spirit Inc., a beautician school operated by Faye Bailey.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease with Maitland Financial Group at Maitland Center Office Building

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 885 square feet of office space in Suite 185 at 2200 Lucien Way fronting I-4 in Maitland Center. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal in the firm and Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM negotiated the agreement representing the landlord, Alliance Lucien Way, Inc. based in Warrington, Pa. The new tenant is Maitland Financial Group LLC.

M/I Homes has only seven home sites remaining for sale at The Estates at Wekiva Park in N. Seminole County

ORLANDO, Fla. -- M/I Homes has only seven homesites remaining for sale at The Estates at Wekiva Park, located off SR 46, east of the Wekiva River in North Seminole County. David Byrnes, president of M/I Homes in Florida, said M/I Homes is offering four, five and six bedroom homes at The Estates at Wekiva Park, priced from $452,990 to $910,000. New homes at The Estates at Wekiva Park range in size from 3,005 square feet of living space to 5,213 square feet, Byrnes said. M/I Homes has one decorated model home available for viewing at The Estates at Wekiva Park. Four ready-to-move-in homes are under construction, Byrnes said. One of the homes, which will be completed in March, has five bedrooms and four baths in 4,329 square feet of living space with a three-car garage on an oversized wooded lot, and is priced at $573,250.

M/I Homes will Open Four New Communities in 2013, Sales Up 35 Percent in 2012 Over 2011

Orlando, Fla. – M/I Homes will add four new communities this year, including new communities in Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties. M/I Homes now has nine active communities in the Orlando region according to David Byrnes, president of M/I Homes in Florida. Byrnes said that 2012 was a good year for M/I Homes in the Orlando area with a 35 percent increase in home sales over 2011. “We’ll do even better this year,” Byrnes emphasized. At the same time, Byrnes said this year the homebuilder plans to add at least 15 new employees both in the field and at its new corporate offices on International Parkway in Lake Mary. M/I Homes moved into its new headquarters at 400 International Parkway in 2012. With nine active communities plus land which is scheduled for development in the Orlando region, M/I Homes controls more than 1,000 home sites, Byrnes added.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Industrial Leases totaling 14,400 square feet at West Orlando’s Carter CommerCenter and Countyline Industrial Park

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated three industrial lease agreements totaling 14,400 square feet at the Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden and at Countyline Industrial Park in Oakland in West Orlando. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest brokered the transactions on behalf of the landlords. Pullin Customs, an automotive customizing firm, signed a lease for suites 100 and 110 with 6,000 square feet in Carter CommerCenter at 890 Carter Road in Winter Garden. COP-Carter LLC of Maitland is the landlord. Heidrich also negotiated two leases in the Countyline Industrial Park, 940 W. Oakland Ave. off Highway 50 and the Florida Turnpike representing landlord Countyline Suites LLC based in Winter Garden. DJB Imports Inc., a distributor of writing instruments and marking devices, leased Suites A-10 and A-11 with a total of 4,800 square feet at the industrial park. Paladin Healthcare, LLC leased Suite A-1 and half of Suite A-2 with a total of 3,600 square feet in Countyline.

Avex Homes in Avalon Park West Reports Sales of 10+ New Homes Before Feb. 2 Grand Opening

Wesley Chapel, Fla. --- Avex Homes in Cypress Village at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel reports it has sold at least 10 new homes before the grand opening of the community located 3.5 miles east of I-75 on State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, which is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing for Avex Homes, said Avex Homes will have closed on the sale or started construction of more than 10 new homes at Avalon Park West before the Grand Opening event. “We have seen a remarkable response from home buyers,” Hodson said. “We’re feeling a lot of pent-up demand, and a lot of confidence that the economy is improving, perhaps a little stronger and a little faster than the forecasters have anticipated,” she said. Avalon Park West plans to unveil two new single family model homes priced from the $160s at its family-friendly grand opening event Feb. 2. The event will feature refreshments, family BBQ, bounce park for the kids and free gifts. Hodson said admission to the grand opening is free and the public is invited. Avex Homes’ new Braden model at Avalon Park West offers three bedrooms and two baths in 1,697 square feet of living space with a two-car garage priced from $164,990. Options include a lanai, study, bonus room, extended garage and upgraded master bath suite. The Braden model home is available in three distinctive elevations. The two-story Jesup II model offers four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 2,974 square feet of living space with a two-car garage and bonus room. The Jesup II features a study and media room. Hodson said Avex Homes is offering up to $10,000 in closing costs and $7,000 towards upgrades with every new home sold during the grand opening weekend. And with each new home purchased on opening weekend---and the 10 purchased so far---Avex is providing a free porch swing, a symbol of the relaxed traditional family lifestyle at Avalon Park West. Built on the rich traditions of small-town life, Avalon Park West has a pedestrian friendly character with tree-lined streets meandering around lakes and neighborhood parks, rocking chair porches on its craftsman styled homes, nearby schools, and shops that are designed to evoke the ideal of main street America. Avex Homes is building 342 homes at Cypress Village at Avalon Park West. Eventually Avalon Park West will accommodate as many as 4,400 homes and more than 700,000 square feet of commercial space in its Town Center. For information call 813-364-4918 or email Stephanie@AvexHomes.com.

CUHACI & PETERSON ARCHITECTS COMPLETE DESIGN OF GORDON FOOD SERVICES IN DAYTONA BEACH

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park did the design work for a new Gordon Food Services facility on Highway 92 in Daytona Beach. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said construction of the 20,000 square foot facility is now underway.

Residents of Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala to unveil painted horse statue commemorating Ocala’s equine industry on Feb. 5

OCALA, Fla. --- Residents of Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala plan to officially unveil a special monument to commemorate Ocala’s ranking as the heart of Florida’s horse country. Marge Dumbaugh, who headed the Friends of the Painted Horse committee at Del Webb Stone Creek, said the monument — a life-sized statue of a painted horse — will be officially unveiled Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. at the Reunion Center at Del Webb Stone Creek. “The Painted Horse is visible from the swimming pool, the 11th hole of the golf course and from the Churchill Downs Ballroom,” Dumbaugh said. Dumbaugh and Friends of the Painted Horse committee members Bing Svensson, Carol Spooner, Harvey Paskin, Kay Scott, Patricia Gizzi, Patti Wallner, Rita Singer, Marion Pierleoni, Sandy Lynch, Ann Kirby, Bev Wiggins, Rosemary Fisher, Terry Trissler and Beth Mueller raised more than $4,500 to create the monument. “It’s a glorious sight and we’re proud to add this monument to Del Webb Stone Creek as a legacy that will last for many generations,” Dumbaugh said. Please call 877-333-5932 for more information about the unveiling. Del Webb Stone Creek is one of the largest Del Webb communities in the U.S., featuring Reflection Bay – an amenity center encompassing almost 50,000 square feet of fitness and event/gathering areas – the Stone Creek Grille, Stone Creek Golf Club with an 18-hole championship golf course, and a planned 29 acres of open space and common areas. New homes at Del Webb Stone Creek, priced from the low $100s range from 1,157 to 2,659 square feet and 10 models are open daily for viewing.

Three New Clients Join University of Central Florida Business Incubator at Daytona Beach International Airport

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Three new businesses recently became clients of the University of Central Florida Business Incubator at the Daytona Beach International Airport. The companies – Abraham Rosa Seasonings, AquaSolve and the First Response Disaster Team – bring the total number of businesses at the site to 13, according to Connie Bernal√, the facility’s site manager. “It is very rewarding to see how this incubator is growing. I feel confident in the companies we currently have, especially because they are a group of experienced serial entrepreneurs ready to succeed. We are going to do our best to help them grow,” said Site Manager Connie Bernal who opened the Daytona Beach location 1½ years ago with one client and space for up to 18. Owned by Ana Rosa Randolph, Abraham Rosa Seasonings pays homage to her father Abraham and his secret seasoning “Adobo Abraham.” Rosa, a native of Puerto Rico, created the seasoning in 1956 and found a market for it with locals and visitors. After Rosa’s untimely death during a fishing trip, Randolph and her children decided to continue making the seasoning and market it online. Founded by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University graduate teaching assistant and engineering entrepreneur Yung Wong, AquaSolve LLC, recently received a $90,000 grant to create water purification systems. Wong plans to offer water-treatment systems for residential, commercial and municipal use. The First Response Disaster Team is a New Smyrna Beach-based emergency response company that extracts water, removes mold and restores damage from smoke. Owned by Anne-Marie and Ken Poulin, the two-year-old company has seven employees and covers all of Central Florida. A three-man crew from First Responder recently returned from New Jersey where they helped restore homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Other Daytona Beach clients are: AbM Engineering, Best3Bids, Best iProducts.com, Choose Rain, Fusion Fitness Designs, Bounce Forward, Network Custom Guns/Better Firearms Designs, Festival Designs, Delta Dynamic Developments, and Klein-Yaney Media. The Incubator – a partnership between UCF, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council – is designed to help start-up companies as well as established businesses. The businesses who rent space at the Daytona Beach International Airport location receive assistance in the form of mentoring and coaching; educational programs; marketing and public relations; access to seminars; networking with peers; inexpensive office space with shared reception, conference rooms, office equipment and support services; as well as paid memberships in a number of organizations.

Winston James Development signs up a Family Dental Practice at Aloma Business Center

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Winston James Development completed a new lease agreement with a family dental practice office at its Aloma Business Center on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. This will be the second Orlando location for Dr. Ravi Oberoi’s practice. Winston Schwartz, a principal at Winston-James Development, based in South Daytona, said Affordable Dentist LLC leased 1,200 square feet of space at Aloma Business Center.

Lennar Homes to Unveil Two-Story 3,659 Square Foot Laurel Model at Runaway Bay at Fiddler’s Creek In Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- Lennar Homes is set to unveil its new two-story, three-bedroom Laurel model home with 3,659 square feet of living space at Runaway Bay at Fiddler’s Creek, the private, master-planned luxury residential community located off Collier Blvd. on Fiddler’s Creek Parkway in Naples. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in the southwest Florida region, said the Laurel is the largest residence offered within Runaway Bay with three bedrooms, four baths and a study situated around a centrally located family room, a formal living room and a gourmet kitchen with breakfast nook and monogram appliances. Professionally decorated by Soco Interiors, the Laurel luxury model home, priced from $709,990, also features a tile roof, paver driveway, designer fixtures, a home security system, a screened, covered lanai with a luxurious swimming pool and spa, along with a second level bonus room with wet bar and bath. “The interior design of the Laurel model features travertine and wood flooring and crown molding,” Devereaux said, and those features along with wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and tile floors in common areas are all included in Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pricing, he explained. Four distinctive floor plans are available at Runaway Bay. The Bougainvillea luxury model home, priced from $609,990, offers 2,800 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, three baths and a study, along with an expansive great room, separate dining room, and screened covered lanai with such options as a luxury swimming pool and spa and a winter kitchen. The 3,043 square foot Camellia floor plan, also available at Runaway Bay, offers four bedrooms and three baths with a study, a spacious family room with adjoining kitchen and breakfast nook and separate living room along with a screened covered lanai and optional pool and spa, base-priced starting from $639,990. The two-story Lantana floor plan offers 3,542 square feet in four bedrooms, three full baths, two half baths, a study and screened covered lanai, along with a bonus room. The Lantana is base-priced starting from $679,990. Fiddler's Creek features a 54,000 square foot Club and Spa with a state-of-the-art fitness center, resort style multi-pool swimming complex, tennis courts, restaurants, The Golf Club and The Tarpon Club. Visit www.lennar.com.

Hendricks & Partners (Now Hendricks-Berkadia) negotiated Sale of The Willows Apartments in Birmingham for $5,200,000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies recently renamed to Hendricks-Berkadia, negotiated the sale of The Willows, a 170-unit apartment community located in Birmingham, for $5.2 million. David Oakley, senior investment advisor of the Hendricks-Berkadia Alabama office negotiated the sale representing the seller, Willows Partners, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, based in Birmingham. The Willows, constructed in 1973 and renovated in 2011, has a total of 133,600 square feet of rentable living space with studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The buyer was Willow United LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, based out of Florida.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Leases for Office Space at Winter Park Commerce Center

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed two new lease agreements totaling 4,325 square feet of office space at the Winter Park Commerce Center near downtown Winter Park. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest brokered both transactions representing the landlord, Winter Park-based WFI, LLP. A local massage therapy firm, Gifted Touch, LLC, is the new tenant who leased 2,490 square feet at 917 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Daly Design Group, Inc. of Winter Park leased 1,835 square feet at 913 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Lennar starts construction of final phase of single family homes at Hampton Hills in Lakeland

LAKELAND, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division has started construction of single family homes in the final phase at Hampton Hills on Sleepy Hill Road west of U.S. 98, next to Lakeland Square Mall. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division said new three, four and five bedroom homes in the final phase at Hampton Hills offer one and two story designs with two car garages and prices that start from the $190s. Lennar is offering end-of-the-year closeout incentives on sales of all new homes in the Lakeland region. “On select homes we’re offering price reductions of up to $24,000. Other incentives include: zero closing costs with monthly mortgage payments as low as $1,196 per month,” Metheny said. New homes at Hampton Hills range in size from 1,677 square feet of living space to 2,858 square feet. For more information, visit www.Lennar.com or call 888-317-7489.

Cuhaci & Peterson completes design of the redeveloped Orange County Court Reporting Building

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design and engineering work for restoration and redevelopment of the Orange County Court Reporting building at 633 East Colonial at the intersection of Summerlin Ave. in downtown Orlando. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of the architectural firm said the building will house the Court Reporting facility in 12,000 square feet of space.

Golden Bear Club Member earns Fourth Career PGA Tour victory in La Quinta, Calif.

Windermere, Fla. --- The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe in Windermere has special cause to celebrate: Golden Bear member and PGA pro Brian Gay came from behind to post his fourth career PGA Tour victory on January 21 at the Humana Challenge in partnership with The Clinton Foundation tournament at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif. Matthew Allen, general manager and director of golf at The Golden Bear Club at Keene's Pointe, said many Golden Bear members followed Gay’s victory stroke for stroke and the clubhouse erupted after his winning putt. Gay told PGA golf writer Helen Ross he thought he had lost the tournament when he shot par on the 72nd hole, but he played aggressively and turned a six-stroke deficit at the start of the day into back-to-back playoff birdies. A five-footer on the second extra hole proved to be the winning stroke. “Gay is very well liked around the Golden Bear Club and we’re all excited for him,” Allen said.

Centex Homes Unveils Seven Distinctive New Floor Plans at Stonebrier Sweetgrass in Lutz

LUTZ, Fla. --- Centex Homes will unveil seven new distinctive floor plans Saturday, Feb. 2 at Stonebrier Sweetgrass, located on Mapleridge Drive in Lutz off Lutz Lake Fern Road. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup in North Florida, said new three, four, five and six-bedroom floor plans at Stonebrier Sweetgrass range in size from 1,674 square feet of living space to 3,242 square feet with up to four bathrooms. Strickler said the new one and two-story single-family home plans feature additional flex rooms, game rooms, two-car garages and oversized kitchens. Strickler said there are 85 home sites currently available at Stonebrier Sweetgrass and many sites are available with conservation views, water views and some with a combination of both. Home owners at Stonebrier Sweetgrass have a wide variety of recreational activities to enjoy throughout the community. The 14-acre neighborhood amenity center accommodates a community club house, a state-of-the-art fitness facility with weight training and cardio equipment, a tropical resort-style swimming pool with a jungle waterslide and children’s splash ground, a basketball court, a multi-use sports field, and a children’s playground complete with a rock climbing wall. Visit www.pulte.com/tampa for more information or call 877-215-3143.

Lennar Reports 2012 was Strong Rebuilding Year with Sales up by 40 percent, 2013 looks even better

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division reports that sales of single family homes and town homes grew by almost 40 percent in 2012 over 2011 sales and the picture in 2013 looks even brighter. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said a combination of smart new product designs, resurging investor demand for resort-style vacation communities, and pent up demand for active adult communities powered Lennar’s strong rebuilding year in 2012 and will likely sustain even greater growth prospects through 2013. Strong job formation in the Orlando and Tampa markets will add to the impetus, he said. Lennar’s NextGen Homes — larger homes designed for three generations, with separate private living quarters inside the family home — are increasingly popular, Metheny said. “Our NextGen designs are really taking off in our Orlando communities. We recognize that family demographics are changing and our NextGen home designs appeal to families who want to accommodate aging parents or adult children and grandchildren in their family home,” Metheny said. Metheny said Lennar’s Central Florida Division expects to open six to eight new communities in Southeast and Southwest Orlando and another six to eight communities in the Tampa region — South Hillsborough, New Tampa and Central Pasco — in 2013. Currently Lennar sells single family and town homes priced from the low $100s to more than $300 in 18 communities in the Orlando region which includes Clermont and Space Coast and 22 communities in the Tampa bay region. Sales have been particularly strong in active adult communities where the lifestyle — with planned activities, sports and recreation and outings — is an important as new home design. Metheny said new home sales at Heritage Isle in Viera and Heritage Hills in Clermont were strong all year. In Tampa, new home sales at Tampa Bay Golf and County Club, Pelican Strand and The Sanctuary — all in San Antonio — were strong all year.

VOLUSIA LAW FIRM HELPS VETERAN-FOCUSED MOTORCYCLE GROUP PROVIDE FREE COMPUTER TRAINING FOR RETURNING VETERANS

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell has joined with Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club Florida Chapter 8 – a non-profit veterans-for-veterans group – to offer free computer training for veterans starting Jan. 30. The first session will be led by Rolling Thunder board members John Trask and Ken Paul from 6 to 7 p.m. at Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, 632 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange. Classes, which are planned for every two weeks at alternating sites, will include training in MSWord, Excel, Power Point and basic internet searches. “We’ve taken it upon ourselves to ‘pay it forward’,” Trask said of the volunteer organization that works to educate the public about prisoners of war and those still missing in action and left behind in previous wars. According to Trask, many returning veterans have limited skills, a sense of being alone and often feel they have no place in society. “At this time, the folks at Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell are the sole sponsors of this training program and they have been extremely generous in helping us,” Trask said. “But, we are hoping to gain additional support to allow us to expand our computer training and offer additional programs and eventually open a storefront for classes five days a week.” Allan L. Ziffra, president of the personal-injury law firm, said they are excited to help and they hope veterans in the community take advantage of the free program. “We’re very happy to help with this program,” Ziffra said. “It’s important that our veterans get the basic computer skills they need, whether it’s to find jobs, stay informed or to just keep in touch with family and friends.” Class sizes are limited and reservations are required. More information, including additional class dates and times, is available from Rolling Thunder members Ken Paul at 407-797-4848 or kpofusa@yahoo.com or Trask√ at 386-503-7009 or jrtrask1950@cfl.rr.com. Anyone interested in sponsorship can also contact the group for details, Trask said. “Helping other veterans return from a war experience to become a working member of society is the biggest reward you can get from your efforts,” he said.

Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Named Exclusive Brokers in Sale of Intracoastal Development Site on Halifax River in South Daytona

South Daytona, Fla. --- Newmark Grubb Knight Frank has been named exclusive broker in the sale of a unique 6.2-acre commercial development site on the Halifax River in South Daytona. Mark Eilers, Managing Director at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, said the riverfront site could be perfect for a luxury condominium, hotel or mixed-use development and the timing is equally good: impact fees for development of the site are discounted 75 percent for the next two years. The site offers 603 feet of Halifax River frontage and PUD zoning that allows development of 372 units, or 60 units per acre. The site’s Mixed Use 1 designation in the City of South Daytona permits residential, commercial, office, lodging or public uses. “There’s also the potential to develop a marina with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean,” Eilers said. Eilers and Associate Jason Archer of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank are leading the marketing assignment for the property.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, Integrity Home Loan Enter Strategic Alliance

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, one of Central Florida’s leading marketing brokerages of luxury real estate, and Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, a major full-service home lender, have entered into a strategic alliance to create more marketing momentum for both participants. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said he courted Integrity Home Loan because he was impressed with what the company offers. “Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida has offered our clients one of the best loan portfolios we have seen,” Soderstrom said. “Integrity’s mortgage rates are extremely competitive and, above all, their service is the best we have ever worked with.” With the alliance, Integrity Home Loan will locate mortgage offices in Stirling Sotheby’s global marketing centers in Orlando/Dr. Phillips, Heathrow/Lake Mary and Port Orange in Volusia County, Soderstrom said. Integrity's corporate headquarters is located at 901 International Parkway in Heathrow.

ASHTON WOODS HOMES NAMED #1 MOST TRUSTED BUILDER IN AMERICA

Atlanta, Ga., --- Ashton Woods Homes has been named the #1 Most Trusted Builder in America, according to the new Lifestory Research Most Trusted Builders in America Study SM, which placed Ashton Woods Homes ahead of 132 other builder brands. The ground-breaking national research included more than 21,500 new-home shoppers and 133 homebuilder brands in the to0 27 housing markets in the US. The methodology used was the Lifestory Research Net Trust Quotient Score (NTQS). “We recognize that trust is a fundamental building block in creating successful customer relationships,” said Ken Balogh president and CEO of Ashton Woods Homes, “and we focus on bringing this to life in everything we do.”

DiMucci Companies to Open New Headquarters Facility on Dunlawton Blvd in February

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. --- The DiMucci Companies, which develops luxury oceanfront condominiums and Dimucci Realty Company which specializes in resales and rentals in Volusia, will open a new 3,500 square foot headquarters on Dunlawton Blvd. in Daytona Beach Shores in February. This will be the new home for Dimucci’s Development Company, Realty Company and Construction company. Anthony DiMucci, who heads the DiMucci Companies, said he has set aside a 750 square foot retail area with a drive through window. This retail space is still available for someone looking to open a small business in this location.

PARK SQUARE HOMES STARTS CONSTRUCTION AT BELLALAGO IN KISSIMMEE

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes recently began construction in the new home community of Bellalago, located off Pleasant Hill Road in Kissimmee. Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator, said new three to seven bedroom Park Square homes at Bellalago will range from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet of living space and will be priced from the mid-$200s. Rouhana said the first model is underway and will be completed in March. Park Square Homes is currently active in seven communities in Central Florida. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

Pulte Homes Opens New Four-Bedroom Windsor II Model Home at The Preserve at Corkscrew In Estero

Fort Myers, Fla. -- Pulte Homes has opened the new four-bedroom Windsor II model home at The Preserve at Corkscrew, the luxury gated community on Corkscrew Road in Estero. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for Pulte Home’s South Florida Division, said the new Windsor II model home at The Preserve at Corkscrew offers four bedrooms and three baths in 3,078 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. Priced from $391,990 the Windsor II includes a den or optional fifth bedroom, a flex room and coffered ceilings in an enormous great room. The Preserve at Corkscrew, which opened last summer, is being developed by Cameratta Companies. Among the amenities are a community clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style swimming pool, an outdoor patio with fireplace, a gathering and activity room, a bar and catering room, a meeting room and more than 300 acres of natural preserves.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Retail Leases at Village Market Place of Lake Mary, Boosts occupancy to 90 Percent

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new lease agreements totaling 3,500 square feet of retail space at Village Market Place of Lake Mary located at 3818 S. Orlando Drive (U.S. 17-92) in Sanford. NAI Realvest Associate Mitch Heidrich brokered both transactions representing the New York City based landlord, Herdor, LLC. DC Turnbulls Martial Arts, LLC is the new local tenant who leased 2,450 square feet at the retail center. DC Turnbulls, which provides instruction and training in Tae Kwon Do and other martial arts, will occupy Suites 3842 and 3844. At the same time, Liberty Tax Service, Inc. headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va. leased Suite 3830 with 1,050 square feet at the retail center. The 69,029 square foot Village Market Place of Lake Mary is now 90 percent leased.

Royal Oak Homes ends 2012 with sales of 199 New Homes

Orlando, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes, which builds single family homes priced from the $150s to the $300s, ended 2012 with sales of 199 new homes throughout seven Central Florida communities. In 2011 home sales for Royal Oak Homes totaled only 25. Matt Orosz, co-president of the Baldwin Park-based homebuilder said by spring of this year Royal Oak Homes will be actively building in 10 communities. The average price of a Royal Oak Home is $195,000. Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder whose track record boasts more than 14,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years under the Cambridge Homes brand, one of the region’s most successful home builders in the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 2011, Royal Oak Homes is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most active home builders in the Central Florida area, building in ten active communities in the region.

CUHACI & PETERSON ARCHITECTS DESIGN TWO ALDI SUPERMARKETS

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed design work on two Aldi Supermarkets that will be opening in the first quarter of this year. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the two stores are 18,000 square feet each, and are nearing completion. One Aldi supermarket is located at 1300 E. Semoran Blvd. in Apopka and the other grocery store is located in Winter Haven on U.S. 17 and Avenue K.

INTEGRITY HOME LOAN PROJECTS $700 MILLION IN MORTGAGE TRANSACTIONS IN 2013

LAKE MARY, Fla. -- Integrity Home Loan based in Lake Mary projects the company will handle some $700 million in mortgage transactions this year. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan said in 2012, the firm closed 3,500 mortgage loans valued at $500 million. The housing market recovery, low interest rates, expanding market and federal government’s HARP program helped homeowners, he said. Malloy is hopeful the government will extend the HARP program, which targets homeowners whose mortgage balance is greater than the assessed value of their home but who kept their payments current. Malloy added that Integrity’s 2012 loan volume was up by more than 20 percent over 201l. Integrity Home Loan ranks as one of the region’s largest and most active mortgage lenders with nine Florida branches including the Central Florida headquarters in Lake Mary, locations in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich.

CUHACI & PETERSON COMPLETES DESIGN WORK ON THREE ALE HOUSE RESTAURANTS

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed the design of three new Ale House restaurants. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson said the three restaurants which are now under construction are one in Springfield, Pa. with 9,400 square feet, one in Queens, N.Y. with 9,700 square feet including 1,000 square feet of mezzanine and one in Lake Grove, N.Y. that has 10,500 square feet.

CUHACI & PETERSON COMPLETES DESIGN OF NEW PUBLIX SUPERMARKET AT LAKE NONA, STORE OPEN NOW

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park designed the new Publix supermarket in the Lake Nona Plaza off Narcoossee Road in Southeast Orlando. The store recently opened for businesss. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci and Peterson, said the supermarket is 54,000 square feet, and there is another 23,000 square feet ready for build out that will eventually accommodate retail shops at the center. Lake Nona Property Holding is the developer of the project.

Geocove Names Jack Miles, Veteran Fl Business Leader, State Government Secretary to Advisory Post

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Geocove, Inc., a leading provider of scalable GIS consulting solutions for business, industry, and state and local agencies nationwide, recently appointed veteran Florida business leader and State Secretary John P. “Jack” Miles to its advisory board. Miles is the former Florida Secretary of the Department of Management Services (DMS) whose 30-year professional career includes top ranking posts with leading North American firms including CIGNA, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), American International Group (AIG), Computer Associates, Travelers, Ames Department Stores and Prentice-Hall. “We are delighted to have Jack join our team. He possesses exceptional government and commercial experience and expertise that will prove critical in assisting us to accelerate our business growth,” Karyn Tareen, chief executive officer of Geocove, said. “I am delighted to be joining the Geocove advisory board as it is very exciting time in the firm’s growth. Geocove’s damage assessment tool is leading edge technology and the need for this capability has never been greater. Government officials in cities, towns, municipalities, counties and states as well as and business leaders in utilities and firms in the property casualty business can all benefit from the Geocove tools which are easily implemented and deployed.” said Miles Geocove is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

Royal Oak Homes Names Sylvester Lionel, Jr. Assistant Builder

BALDWIN PARK, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes, based in Baldwin Park, has named Sylvester Lionel, Jr. an assistant builder. Matt Orosz, co-president at Royal Oak Homes said Lionel earned his B.S. Degree in building construction from the University of Florida’s M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction.

ICI Homes Selects Buy Florida Realty to take over sales at Cypress Reserve Villas in Kissimmee

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- ICI Homes, which is developing Cypress Reserve Villas and Town Homes in Kissimmee, has selected Buy Florida Realty to take over sales at the gated community. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes based in Daytona Beach, said Buy Florida Realty specializes in sales of Florida resort-style properties and vacation homes and focuses on vacation and second home buyers from northern U.S. regions and Canada as well as international buyers. ICI Homes is building two and three-bedroom villas at Cypress Reserve priced from the $190s.

Reliable Systems Solutions CEO Presenting at the 2013 Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS®)

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The founder and chief executive officer of Reliable Systems Solutions, an Orlando firm that provides an effective systems engineering approach in assisting defense contractors to design Reliability and Maintainability into systems early during product development, has been chosen to deliver a presentation at the Annual Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS) held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando Jan. 28-31, 2013. Richard Coronado, ASQ CRE, one of the nation’s leading experts in reliability engineering, said the 2013 RAMS symposium marks the 60th consecutive year to be one of the most comprehensive gatherings of Product Assurance professionals available in today’s competitive business environment. Coronado said his 30 min presentation, “Managing Suppliers Reliability Programs”, will focus on “lessons-learned” that made the difference in ensuring the supplier’s system design meets the integrated needs, requirements, and viable alternatives with the goal of improving the overall system availability, while reducing the system Life-Cycle Costs. Coronado said his audience will include leading U.S. aerospace and defense contractors and purchasing agents whose careers focus on accurately judging the reliability of major weapons and technology systems before products enter mass production. “As a group, RAMS participants are among the most highly educated and influential in the field of reliability engineering,” Coronado said. “They are an extremely discerning audience.” Reliable Systems Solutions is located at the UCF Business Incubator at Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

Winston James Development reports 50 percent increase in closed sales at Villages of Royal Palm during 2012

Port Orange, Fla. --- Winston James Development reports it closed on the sales of 17 new luxury homes in 2012 at the Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange. In addition the firm posted 18 contracts for sales during the 12-month period, said Jamie Adley, president of the Villages of Royal Palm and vice president of Winston James Development. Adley said Villages of Royal Palm saw a 50 percent increase in closed sales during the period. The average sale price during the period was $250,000. Two ready-to-move-in homes are available for sale now at the Villages of Royal Palm, priced from $275,000. Three more luxury homes currently under construction range in size from 1,300 square feet of living space to 2,600 square feet. All three homes will be completed in the spring.

Six Associates at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named 2012 Five Star Professionals

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Six Associates at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty were certified 2012 Five Star Professionals in a recent poll of all Orlando-area home buyers who bought homes valued at more than $150,000. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said associates Judy Werth, Teresa Parker, Matt McDonald, Naresh Mistry, Sally Taylor and Emily White earned the Five Star Real Estate Agent Award from Five Star Professional, an independent market research company based in Minneapolis that measures professional services quality. Soderstrom said Five Star Professional polled every buyer who bought a home in the Orlando area in since May 1, 2012 valued at more than $150,000. Respondents were asked to evaluate real estate associates based on nine criteria. Both negative and positive evaluations were included in the scoring. “Five Star Professional has been conducting area-wide surveys since 2003 to determine the quality of professional services in real estate,” Soderstrom said. “In 2012, Five Star Professional surveyed the real estate industry in 45 markets in the U.S. and Canada,” Soderstrom said. The survey was commissioned by Orlando Magazine. “We are delighted that six of our associates were named Five Star Professionals,” Soderstrom said. “We know they are the best trained, best educated and best resources real estate professionals in the Central Florida region and it is now apparent that their clients think as highly of them as we do,” he said.

Lennar has new model home underway at River Bend in Ruskin

TAMPA, Fla. – Lennar has a new four bedroom model home underway at River Bend, located in Tampa’s Southshore area on Cumberland Cliff Drive in Ruskin. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida division, said the four-bedroom, three-bath home boasts 2,267 square feet of living space with a three car garage priced from $199,990. Metheny said the new Kennedy model home will be open for viewing the by Feb. 1. Lennar is building 255 new single family homes at River Bend priced from the $150s. All new Lennar homes at River Bend come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and add-ons at one “everything’s included” price. Riverbend features a community clubhouse with swimming pool, community center, lake, ponds and picnic areas. For more information, visit www.Lennar.com or call 888-317-7489.

Lennar Homes to Host Grand Opening Feb 9 to Showcase new Model Homes at ChampionsGate South of Orlando

ChampionsGate, Fla. --- Lennar will host a Grand Opening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9 to showcase four new model homes at ChampionsGate, the master-planned golf community located on ChampionsGate Blvd. at I-4 Exit 58 (C.R. 532) south of Orlando. Lennar will host a Gala Realtor Preview and Reception from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6 Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said plenty of activities are planned in addition to model home tours, Metheny added: legendary golf trick-shot artist Peter Jöhnke ---the Trick Shot Master---will perform from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Lennar plans to give away an Alaskan cruise for two to one lucky family who participates. Food and refreshments will be provided by Orlando’s famous 4 Seasons Smokehouse. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. Only adults may register to win the Alaska Cruise, Metheny added. Lennar plans to build 600-800 single-family homes priced from the $240s at The Country Club at ChampionsGate including The Hideaway, a single-family model home with four bedrooms and two baths in 2,246 square feet of living space and a two-car garage. The Sand Dollar model home at The Country Club at ChampionsGate offers four bedrooms and three baths in 2,460 square feet with a three-car garage. New homes at the Country Club at ChampionsGate range in size from 1,800 square feet of living space to 2,500 square feet. Metheny said Lennar plans to build 600-700 luxury vacation homes at The Retreat at ChampionsGate, including the Bali model with five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths in 2,766 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. The Maui model home offers eight bedrooms and five baths in 3,826 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. Luxury vacation homes The Retreat at ChampionsGate will range from 2,200 square feet to 3,800 square feet, Metheny said. Metheny said grand opening visitors should park at 8390 ChampionsGate Blvd. Free shuttles will be provided to the model center and the main events. “ChampionsGate is such an incredible community we wanted to do something spectacular for our grand opening,” Metheny said.

Henin Homes Shows Big Increase in Home Sales in 2012 at Riviera Bella in DeBary

DeBary, Fla. --- Henin Homes, a division of the Henin Group, sold 29 luxury homes in 2012 at its community of Riviera Bella in DeBary. Matt Boltz, vice president of Henin Homes, Inc., said the 29 sales were valued at $9.5 million compared with nine sales valued at 2.5 million in 2011. Boltz said he projects 48 new home sales in 2013. At present, there are 23 home sites available at Riviera Bella which is located on the banks of the St. Johns River in DeBary. Homes at Riviera Bella start in the mid-$200s.

ASHTON WOODS HOMES MORE THAN DOUBLES HOME SALES IN ORLANDO IN 2012

ORLANDO, Fla. – Ashton Woods Homes Orlando division reports a major jump in home sales in 2012 more than doubling sales of the previous year. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes, said the homebuilder sold 318 homes last year in five communities in the Orlando region, which is 212 percent more than 2011 when 102 homes were sold. Roche said the average sale price of an Ashton Woods home sold in the Orlando region in 2012 was $264,924. Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. Visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.

ASHTON WOODS HOMES REPORTS 55 PERCENT INCREASE IN 2012 HOME SALES IN TAMPA REGION

TAMPA, Fla. – Ashton Woods Homes reports a 55 percent increase in new home sales throughout eight communities in the Tampa Bay region in 2012. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing in Tampa, said Ashton Woods sold 177 homes last year compared to 2011 when 114 homes were sold. Roche added that the average sale price of an Ashton Woods home sold in 2012 in the Tampa Bay region was $255,255. Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .

Ryland Homes Starts Construction of New Four-Bedroom Frost II Model Home at Connerton in Land O’Lakes

Tampa, Fla. --- Ryland Homes has started construction of a new four-bedroom Frost II model home at Connerton, a new gated community located on Savory Walk Drive off Connerton Blvd. in Land O’Lakes. Tony Crimi, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said the two-story Frost II model home with two-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage will open at Connerton in March. Ryland Homes plans to build 40 new single-family homes in the first phase at Connerton, Crimi said. New three and four-bedroom single-family homes at Connerton will range in size from 1,481 square feet of living space to 2,284 square feet with two or two-and-one-half baths and two-car garages. Connerton features top-rated schools, a community clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, tennis courts, a basketball court, a tot lot, volleyball court and amphitheater. Visit www.ryland.com/tampa.

Volusia County Personal-Injury Law Firm to Help Sponsor Benefit Osceola County Motorcycle Run

PORT ORANGE – The Port Orange-based law offices of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell – a philanthropic personal-injury firm that supports numerous local charity motorcycle rides each year – is extending its reach into Osceola County by helping to sponsor the inaugural Escorted Osceola Law Ride on Jan. 26. The 77-mile ride is being presented by the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, City of St. Cloud, and the St. Cloud and Kissimmee police departments, according to Allan L. Ziffra, president of the longtime law firm. “We participate in a number of great biker events throughout the year,” Ziffra said. “This year, we’re starting off with a ride to help the families of officers who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty. This is a great cause and we’re hoping to see lots of motorcycle enthusiasts participate to show their support.” Registration for the ride is $20 for riders and $5 for passengers and starts at 8 a.m. at the St. Cloud Police Department, 4700 Neptune Road, St. Cloud. Included will be live music by “Continuum,” raffles, awards, silent auctions, goody bags, collectible enamel pins, and a barbecue lunch provided by Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q. The ride will begin with an invocation at 10 a.m. and kick stands will go up at 10:30 a.m. to signal the official start. The ride will end at the St. Cloud Marina, 1104 Lakeshore Blvd. For details or more information, contact ride coordinator Don Schaefer at 407-892-2591, or visit www.blueknightsfl29.com/osceola_law_ride_main.html or rueziffra.com/oceola-law-ride-20132128.

University Club of Orlando Names Three New Board Members

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University Club of Orlando has named an attorney, a businessman and a college professor to its board of directors. Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said new board members include Orlando Businessman Mike Jensen, Attorney Dennis O’Connor and Robert Smither, a professor at Rollins College in Winter Park.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Former Sears Service Center in Daytona Beach to National Distributor

MAITLAND, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of the former Sears Service Center located at 840 Bill France Blvd. in Daytona Beach for $630,000. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, who represented the seller Warmack-Muskogee, LP of Texarkana, Texas, said the property was purchased by Airgas USA. The 12,200 square foot facility built in 1991 and its 2.22+ acre site was purchased by Airgas to expand from its current nearby location. The buyer is a distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases and related equipment and services based in Kennesaw, Ga.

Park Square Homes features Energy-Saving Nest Learning Thermostats in all new single-family homes

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes, which builds homes priced from the $100s to the $400s in nine Orlando area communities, has introduced energy-saving Nest Learning Thermostats in all new residential single-family homes the company builds. Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said Nest Learning Thermostats are designed to learn a family’s habits and behaviors and imitate them by automating temperature controls when family members are away at work or school. Learning the home owner’s patterns help to save energy and energy costs, Rouhana explained. Nest Learning Thermostats also offer add-on features to make them even smarter, Rouhana said. “Additional controls like smart phone apps enable home owners to alert Nest if the day’s plan changes,” Rouhana said. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

Co-Founder of Omega3 Innovations Says Today’s Fish Oil Industry is on the Wrong Track, Sets Up Blog to Help Consumers Understand Why

VENICE, FL – For 16 years, Dr. Bo Martinsen – co-founder of Venice-based Omega3 Innovations – has championed omega-3 fish oils by touting the fatty acids’ numerous health benefits at both national and international speaking engagements. “As a physician, I always tell my patients, if there is one simple thing you can do for your health, take a solid dose of omega-3 fish oil every day,” Martinsen says. But recently, Martinsen, who co-owns the biotech company with his wife, Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers, witnessed a growing trend in the industry – the market shift toward highly-concentrated fish oil supplements – that convinced him to alter his advice. As the market for fish oil grows, concentrates are becoming increasingly popular both in prescription and over-the-counter form. A quick look around your local pharmacy shows the increasing presence of concentrated omega-3s, says Martinsen, who believes the industry’s market growth projections of eight percent a year through 2020. And, the growth spurt in products created by this type of manufacturing process has him worried. “I used to think that as long as we took an adequate dose of omega-3 every day, the type of oil didn’t matter,” he says. “But, the more I work with omega-3, the more I see that the quality and manufacturing process of the oil is crucial to consumer health.” Martinsen says that some manufacturers – in an effort to increase the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA in the fish oil – transform the acids into new chemical structures known as ethyl esters. He notes that ethyl esters exist neither in nature, nor in the human body. His research on chemically modified omega-3s versus natural fish oils has led him to create a blog titled “Seven Reasons the Omega-3 Industry is on the Wrong Track.” Omega-3 Industry is on the Wrong Track “When we start changing the chemical structure of the omega-3 molecules, the body responds differently to the modified oil than it does to natural fish oil,” he explains. “Just like with genetically modified organisms, these chemical modifications are troubling because we don’t know how the body will fully respond for years.” Martinsen says some other negative issues with concentrated omega-3s are rancidity, fewer fatty acids and natural vitamins, environmental waste, and the fact that they can be more expensive. “The fact is that people can get the same amount of EPA and DHA from natural sources as is advertised in the concentrated products,” he says. “I believe we would all benefit greatly if the industry focused instead on improving the technology for making liquid fish oil that is fresh and sustainable.”

NAI Realvest Negotiates Expansion/Renewal Lease at Goldenrod CommerCenter in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated an expansion lease for 2,206 square feet of industrial space and a lease renewal for 2,206 square feet at Goldenrod CommerCenter, 1468 N. Goldenrod Rd. in east Orlando. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest brokered the transactions representing the landlord, COP-Goldenrod, LLC of Maitland. The tenant in the Goldenrod CommerCenter who renewed Suite 220 and expanded into adjacent Suite 230 bringing total occupancy to 4,412 square feet is Black Forge, LLC.

Ashton Woods Homes Starts Construction of Three Model Homes at Rosedale on Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Lakewood Ranch, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has started construction of three model homes priced from the low $300s at Rosedale, a new gated community of luxury homes located on Lakewood Ranch Blvd. near 44th Ave. West in Lakewood Ranch Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Sarasota region, said the new three and four-bedroom model homes range in size from 1,962 square feet of living space to 2,580 square feet. The new model homes at Rosedale come with outdoor living packages, Roche said. Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .

DiVosta Homes to Host Open Houses Feb 2 at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs, VeronaWalk in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes will host simultaneous open house receptions from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs, 28025 Umiak Court in Bonita Springs and VeronaWalk in Naples, 7676 Collier Blvd. in Naples. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing, said DiVosta plans to showcase five decorated two and three-bedroom model homes ranging from 1,429 square feet of living space to 2,488 square feet at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs, including – The three-bedroom Dublon model townhome, a spacious two-story design with 1,858 square feet of living space that includes two master suites, three baths and a second-floor balcony along with an alley loaded two-car garage, priced from $186,990. Four single-family home designs, including the 1,429 square foot Pine Spring model, priced from $195,490, and the Tifton, priced from $247,990 with 1,861 square feet, both two-bedroom, two-bath plans with two-car garages. The three-bedroom Vernon Hill model home has a den and two baths in 1,911 square feet of living space, priced from $247,990 with a two-car garage. The 2,488 square foot Dunwoody Trail model, the largest model on display at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs, with three bedrooms, three baths, an open kitchen overlooking the great room, walk-in closets in all bedrooms, a guest suite with private bath and a two-car garage, all priced from $309,490. Mairn said VeronaWalk at Naples is offering tours of five decorated model homes, including the three-bedroom Dublon model townhome, priced from $227,990; Four single-family homes – the two-bedroom Tifton model, priced from $322,990; the three-bedroom Vernon Hill, priced from $322,990; the three-bedroom Carrington with three bedrooms, three baths and a den in 1,542 square feet priced from $245,090 with a two-car garage; and the three-bedroom Dunwoody Lane model, with 2,314 square feet of living space, two-and-a-half baths plus a two-car garage, all priced from $361,490. Mairn said both Open House Celebrations will offer live music, refreshments and tours of model homes. The events are free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP for the VillageWalk open house, contact 239-948-4141 and for the VeronaWalk open house, 239-417-6400.

Ashton Woods Homes Opening Four Move-In Ready Luxury Town Homes at Fountain Parke on Rinehart Road in Lake Mary

Lake Mary, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes recently opened two ready-to-move-in luxury town homes priced from $230s and plans to open two more next month at Fountain Parke, located off Rinehart Road north of Lake Mary Blvd. in Lake Mary. Mike Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said the three-story, three and four-bedroom town homes at Fountain Parke range in size from 2,170 square feet of living space to 2,504 square feet and come with two full baths and two half baths. “Fountain Parke town homes are distinctive for their size, their elegant design and their architecture,” Roche explained. A third story to add economical space lent itself to the community’s Romanesque architectural theme, Roche said. “The columns, arches, porches and tile roofs make an awesome impression,” Roche explained. Three floor plans are available at Fountain Parke Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com.

Emerson International Reports Expansion Leases totaling more than 6,000 Square Feet at CenterPointe in Altamonte Springs, Sanlando Center in Longwood

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated expansion leases for two of its tenants – one in Longwood, and one in Altamonte Springs totaling more than 6,000 square feet. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing for Emerson International, Inc., said Freedom Mortgage Company expanded its occupancy by 4,901 square feet in the Sanlando Center at 2180 W. SR 434 in Longwood. Freedom Mortgage now leases a total of 15,905 square feet from Emerson International at the Sanlando Center. At CenterPointe II, 220 E. Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs, Koch said Maguire Insurance renewed its existing lease and expanded with another 1,112 square feet for a total of 7,920 square feet. Paul Kelly, senior associate at Coughlin Commercial represented Maguire in the expansion lease agreement at CenterPointe II. Koch represented Landlord Emerson International in negotiations for the leases at both locations.

Royal Oaks Homes Names Eric Lopez Controller

BALDWIN PARK, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes has appointed Eric Lopez controller Steve Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes said Lopez has more than 27 years of experience as a financial executive. Lopez earned his B.S. Degree at Stetson University and Masters Degree from the University of Central Florida.

Ormond Beach Woman Wins Seven Day Cruise in ICI Homes drawing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- Elaine Buix of Ormond Beach recently won a seven day cruise from ICI Homes, the Daytona Beach based community developer and builder that ranks as one of the most active luxury custom home builders in Florida. Buix won her seven day cruise by participating in ICI Homes’ customized DVD program, according to Vice President of Sales and Marketing Rosemary Messina.

M/I Homes Acquires 10 Acre site on Bear Lake Road in Maitland for Development of Luxury Residential Community

ORLANDO, Fla. -- M/I Homes has acquired a 10-acre site overlooking Bear Lake on Bear Lake Road off Maitland Blvd. in Maitland for development of a luxury residential community. David Byrnes, president of M/I Homes in Florida, said the Enclave at Bear Lake will include 35 luxury homes that range in size from 1,800 square feet of living space to 3,400 square feet. Byrnes said single-family homes at The Enclave at Bear Lake will be priced from $225,990. Site development will start in March, Byrnes said, and M/I Homes will start construction of model homes in October at the Enclave at Bear Lake.

First Green Bank Celebrates 4th Anniversary in February, Bank Ends 2012 with 25 Percent Increase in Assets and Loan Volume

Mount Dora, Fla. – First Green Bank celebrates its 4th Anniversary in February, and they have even more to celebrate with its 2012 record of 25 percent increase in assets and 25 percent increase in loan volume. That’s the word from Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and CEO of First Green Bank headquartered in Mount Dora, with branches in Clermont, Ormond Beach, downtown Orlando and soon in Winter Park. “We recently found a Winter Park site and we will be there by the end of this year,” LaRoe said. “All in all it has been a profitable year for us,” LaRoe emphasized. First Green Bank’s assets for the year reached just over $200 million and loan volume was $151 million. “Not bad for less than four years in operation,” LaRoe commented.

DiVosta Homes to Showcase Two New Model Homes at Grand Opening of The Isles of Palmer Ranch Jan. 26 in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes will showcase two new model homes at a grand opening Jan. 26 at The Isles of Palmer Ranch, located on Burgos Drive in Sarasota. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup, parent company of DiVosta Homes, said the homebuilder will provide live music and refreshments along with tours of the new model homes from 1 to 4 p.m. Homebuyers and guests can also get a preview of new home designs DiVosta is releasing at The Isles of Palmer Ranch, and learn about personalized options available, Mairn said. The new Dunwoody Trail II model home offers three bedrooms and three baths in 2,488 square feet of living space priced from $349,990 with a two-car garage, attached golf cart garage, a den with French doors and walk-in closets in all bedrooms. The Vernon Hill II model home, priced from $284,990, offers 1,911 square feet of living space in three bedrooms and two baths with a two-car garage, a den with optional tray ceiling, guest bedroom with bay windows and dual vanities in the owner's suite bath. The master-planned community of Palmer Ranch offers a wide range of amenities, including a community clubhouse with full-time activities director, a state-of-the-art fitness center, heated lagoon pool, four lighted tennis courts, a sports pavilion, two Bocce ball courts, a basketball court, a lakeside gazebo, activity and social rooms, a catering kitchen, post office and children’s playground.

Hendricks & Partners Negotiates Sale of Woodbrook Trail Apartments in Alabaster for $8,000,000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of Woodbrook Trail Apartments, a 200-unit apartment community located in Alabaster, Ala. for $8 million. David Oakley, senior investment advisor of Hendricks & Partners Alabama office negotiated the sale representing the seller, Ambler, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, based in Birmingham. Woodbrook Trail, constructed in two phases in 1977 and 1988, has a total of 179,344 square feet of rentable living space with one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The buyer was TEG Acquisitions LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, based out of New York.

Local Law Firm Welcomes Familiar Name as Partner

PORT ORANGE – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell recently promoted a familiar name and face by naming Attorney Edward S. Rue – the nephew of co-founder John D. Rue – a partner in the firm. A lawyer who is devoted to his clients, Rue joined the firm in 2006 and focuses on personal-injury and Social Security disability litigation. He keeps his clients well informed of their status and makes sure they understand the legal process from the initial filing all the way to appeals court. “Helping people with Social Security claims is quite personal for me, having watched a family member go through a process that often is long, complicated and frustrating,” he said. Rue recently worked with his partner to get a client a Social Security disability award that lingered in the judicial system for 12 years. Before joining Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, Rue practiced criminal and insurance defense, which enabled him to understand how insurance companies and defense attorneys evaluate and defend cases. “Ed’s extensive knowledge and experience in insurance defense now is being used to the advantage for his clients,” said Allan L. Ziffra, president of the longtime firm. “Those qualities have made him invaluable to us these past six years.” A 1998 graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Rue graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., in 2002. A top student, he won the Wisconsin State Bar Law School Award for Highest Achievement in Torts, and the William Herbert Page Award for the best Wisconsin Law Review article. He is a member of the American Bar Association, American Association for Justice, the Florida Bar, Florida Justice Association, the Wisconsin Bar, Volusia County Bar Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. He is eligible to practice in all Florida courts, all Wisconsin courts and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Developer of Assisted Living Facilities Launches Beijing Trade Mission to Brief Chinese Investors on Florida Opportunities

MAITLAND, Fla. -- A unique development enterprise based in Orlando recently participated in a trade mission to Beijing to brief Chinese investors in a bid to attract investors to develop assisted living facilities in Florida. George Livingston, a principal of Orlando EB-5 Investments, LLC, said an extensive presentation for the potential backers, all members of a fast-growing class of increasingly affluent Chinese entrepreneurs, was made in Beijing. Livingston and Orlando EB-5 Investments are banking on a 23-year old U.S. immigration policy that encourages foreigners to invest in U.S. businesses. The EB-5 immigrant visa category grants green cards to foreigners seeking permanent resident status when they invest at least $500,000 in approved U.S. business enterprises that generate jobs. Currently the U.S. grants 10,000 EB-5 immigrant visas annually. “That is a tremendous volume of investment capital and it substantially benefits the U.S. economy, not to mention our balance of trade,” Livingston explained. Livingston said Orlando EB-5 Investments boasts an influential principal---LivingVentures, Inc. formerly known as Green Global Investments, LLC. LivingVentures currently operates 1,000 housing units in 10 facilities in Toronto, and plans to expand to 3,000 to 5,000 units by the close of 2013, Livingston said. The firm is currently acquiring two Florida properties where it plans to develop 240 residential units for assisted living and memory care seniors. “We are seeking funding from EB-5 investors to acquire and develop assisted living facilities and senior housing throughout Florida,” Livingston said.

Cocktails for a Cause events at University Club of Orlando raise more than $60,000 for local charities, civic groups

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cocktails for a Cause, the signature fundraising event hosted by the University Club of Orlando raised more than $60,000 for Orlando area charitable, civic and community groups in 2012. Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the private club hosted five Cocktails for a Cause events in 2012. Wright said the University Club of Orlando will host its next Cocktails for a Cause on Thursday, Jan. 24 to benefit the Coastal Conservation Assn., an alliance of outdoors enthusiasts who support conservation efforts.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of 30,000+ Square Foot Industrial Building in Sanford for $1,629,200

ORLANDO, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of an industrial building at 3551 West First Street (SR 46) in Sanford for $1,629,200. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, represented the seller, 3551 First Street, LLC in negotiating a sale of the 13-year-old warehouse-distribution facility to SNK America, Inc. a manufacturer and supplier of precision tools and parts that serve the auto, aircraft, medical and sports industries. The buyer is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Mt. Prospect, Ill. and was represented in the transaction by Michael T. Davis of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank.

PLANTATION BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB JOINS USTA FLORIDA’S MASTERS 55+ LEAGUE OF AMATEUR TENNIS SENIORS

Ormond Beach, Fla. --- Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach has joined USTA Florida’s Masters 55+ Tennis League, which launched earlier this month with smaller courts and slower balls to make the sport more enjoyable to senior players. USPTA Master Professional Dave Brown at Plantation Bay Tennis, Fitness & Spa said Master’s 55+ Tennis is one of the best ideas he’s seen in a long time and he expects it to catch on fast. “For generations now, retiring to Florida is the ultimate dream and we have a very large, active population of older Americans here,” Brown said. “Masters 55+ Tennis is the perfect way to offer the benefits of organized tennis play to more seniors,” he said. Brown said Masters 55+ Tennis was designed for beginner players, for former players who would like to get back in the game now that they have time for it, and for seasoned pros who’d like a little less pain with their gain. In Masters 55+ Tennis, all players use their own racquets. Beginners play on 36-foot courts with lower nets and---importantly---red, low-compression balls that still have plenty of zip but at more eye-catching speeds. Advanced Masters 55+ players use the 60-foot court with a regulation-height net and the orange ball, which offers more velocity. The best Masters 55+ players use the full 78-foot court and the green-dot ball with only slightly lower compression. “Almost anybody can play Masters 55+ Tennis and enjoy the game,” says Brown. “The slower ball makes it much easier to keep the ball in play, and that’s where the fun is,” he said. The health benefits are significant. Besides a solid, safe cardio workout, lower-compression balls cause significantly less stress on the body, Brown said. Plantation Bay Tennis, Fitness & Spa organized a tennis festival to introduce Masters 55+ Tennis to Plantation Bay residents and Brown said interest in the new format is high. “One day I can see a statewide tournament schedule with a hundred teams from all over Florida,” Brown said. Brown said Plantation Bay Tennis, Fitness & Spa is open to the public and anyone can join Masters 55+ Tennis. He plans to offer additional instructional demonstrations in the future. The promotion goes through the month of January with an instruction and play program following in February. League play throughout Volusia and Flagler County begins in March for these new and returning players. Reservations are now being taken for Free Lessons on the following dates and times at Plantation Bay: Tuesday Jan. 15 - 3:30 p.m. Thursday Jan. 17 - 9:00 a.m. Saturday Jan. 19 - 12:30 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 22 - 3:30 p.m. Thursday Jan. 24 - 5:30 p.m. For more information, telephone 386-236-4292 or email dbrown@icihomes.com.

Mike Barbalato of PulteGroup’s South Florida Division Named Sales Consultant of The Year

Venice, Fla. --- Real estate veteran Mike Barbalato of Venice was recently named Sales Consultant of the Year for the South Florida Division of Pulte Group, which ranks as one of the nation’s largest home builders and community developers and includes Pulte Homes and the Centex Homes, DiVosta Homes and Del Webb brands. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of PulteGroup, said Barbalato sold the highest number of new homes at the homebuilder’s community of IslandWalk in Venice. “Mike was instrumental in the success of IslandWalk in 2012. He was not only able to showcase the fantastic community but also the quality of our new home designs,” said Mairn. Barbalato is a native of Buffalo, New York, where he studied Business Management and Marketing at Canisius College and began his career as a Real Estate Broker in 1970. Barbalato relocated to Florida seven years ago. He joined Pulte Group in 2010 as a sales consultant and is a member of the Florida Association of Realtors Barbalato currently sells new two and three-bedroom single-family homes priced from the $150s in seven distinctive designs at IslandWalk at the West Villages, located at 13575 Salinas St. in Venice.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appoints Golfer Carlos Puerto International Luxury Homes Specialist

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed golfer Carlos Puerto an International Luxury Homes Specialist in the firm’s Windermere/Dr. Phillips Real Estate Marketing Center. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Puerto is an avid golfer and has managed multiple golf clubs in Florida and whose own golf course home led him to real estate sales. Soderstrom said Puerto will specialize in unique luxury community, golf community and resort community homes and properties. Puerto was born in Cali, Colombia, and grew up in Massachusetts. He played on the first golf team at his high school, and continued his golfing career, rising to the level of instructor and then manager of two of Central Florida’s finest golf courses, the Golden Bear Club’s Jack Nicklaus signature design golf course in Windermere and the Red Tail Golf Club in Sorrento. Puerto, who is bilingual, studied business at the University of Miami before launching his professional career in golf Puerto doesn’t limit his sporting activities to golf. He also plays soccer on Juventus soccer team in Central Florida and flag football. “We’re a team of 40-somthings trying to relive the dream of being competitive players,” Puerto joked.

Stonegate Golf Club Plays Starring Role in Big Band Charity Night at Solivita

Kissimmee, Fla. --- Stonegate Golf Club played a starring role in the recent Big Band Charity Night at Solivita, the award-winning master-planned active adult community Avatar is developing in Kissimmee. Arto Rahmani, general manager of Solivita Club Services, LLC and vice president of Food and Beverage Operations with Celebration Golf Management LLC, said Stonegate Golf Club was a major sponsor of the event. “Big Band Charity Night at Solivita is one of the community’s largest and most important charity events,” Rahmani said. Stonegate Golf Club contacted general managers at all eight Central Florida golf clubs in the Celebration Golf Management family, Rahmani said. “We donated tickets for a free golf foresome at Stonegate Golf Club and free rounds of golf at each Celebration golf course,” Rahmani said. Proceeds from the event helped benefit Habitat for Humanity Osceola County and the St. Rose of Lima Food Pantry. Celebration Golf’s Food and Beverage division also donated a gift card to the Greens Thumbs Club.

Stonegate Golf Club Names Team Members of The Year

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Stonegate Golf Club in Kissimmee recently hosted its 100 team members for a year-end banquet celebration and named three “Team Members of the Year.” Arto Rahmani, general manager of Solivita Club Services, LLC and vice president of Food and Beverage Operations with Celebration Golf Management LLC, said Michele Wood of the Banquet Culinary Team earned the 2012 Star Award. Patsy Keller of the Pro Shop Team earned the 2012 Celebration Golf Management Masters Award. Peter Visnius of the Golf Maintenance Team earned the 2012 Excellence Award, Rahmani said. Stonegate Golf Club is located at Solivita, the award-winning master-planned active adult community Avatar is developing in Kissimmee.

Del Webb Naples to Host Luau to Celebrate Grand Opening of its Oasis Club Jan. 26

NAPLES, Fla. --- Del Webb Naples will host a live luau show to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Oasis Club at Del Webb Naples from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for Del Webb’s South Florida division, said the new 12,000 square foot Oasis Club is home to a resort-style swimming pool, a dedicated lap pool, a spa, tennis courts, Bocce ball courts, Pickleball courts, an amphitheatre, state-of-the-art fitness center, a café, a library, and a catering kitchen, along with an aerobics room, sauna and steam rooms, fire pit, and activity and craft rooms. “The Oasis Club is the center-piece of one of the finest resort communities in Southwest Florida. It is the latest addition to Del Webb Naples, which already includes an 18-hole championship golf course within the beautiful town of Ave Maria and all that it has to offer,” Mairn said. The live luau show will start at 2 p.m. and tours of the new Oasis Center and model homes will be offered all afternoon along with refreshments. Admission is free and the public is invited, Mairn said. Del Webb Naples features single-family homes priced from the $150s in nine distinctive floor plans.

Personal-Injury Law Firm Wins 12-Year-Old Social Security Case

PORT ORANGE – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell wrapped up 2012 by celebrating the end of a personal-injury case that one attorney took very personally. Luis Gracia, who has been with the firm since 1998, worked relentlessly for 12 years fighting for a client in a social security disability case that required many briefs to be written, and numerous hearings and appeals to be held. He was rewarded for his tireless efforts when a United States magistrate judge for the Orlando Division of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, ruled in his client’s favor in November. “After 12 years of fighting her claim through hearings and appeals, we finally won,” a jubilant Gracia said after the decision was handed down by Judge Gregory J. Kelly. “My client and I are thrilled as there are very few cases in the country in which a claim has been approved after such a long period of time.” Gracia – who filed the suit on Jan. 1, 2000 – never wavered as he, Attorney Edward S. Rue and several other colleagues pursued the case, which centered on his client’s claim for Social Security Disability benefits, alleging she had degenerative disk disease and depression/adjustment disorder. Nearly two years later, the case received an unfavorable decision even though an administrative law judge said the client was credible, and her physicians stated she was unable to perform her required work, Gracia said. After four hearings by three different judges, the Commissioner of Social Security’s decisions denying her application were reversed, once by the Appeals Council and twice by the United States District Court, according to the recent order. At a fifth hearing in October 2012, the court denied the commissioner’s motion to remand the case for another hearing, saying the previous denials were not supported by evidence and that the judge failed to comply with the federal court’s directives. According to Gracia, the court then issued its final decision reversing the case and seeking a calculation of benefits for the client in November, saying that the administrative law judges’ actions for such a long period of time had resulted in a miscarriage of justice for his client. Quoting the First Circuit Court of Appeal in a similar case, Judge Kelly ordered the case closed in favor of Gracia’s client, adding that “The Commissioner is not entitled to endless opportunities to get it right.” Allan L. Ziffra, president of the longtime firm, agrees. “It was important to seek justice for the client and our social security attorneys did a great job,” Ziffra said. “And, it is the longest case in our firm’s history.” While 12 years to settle a lawsuit may seem extreme, some cases such as a Massachusetts commercial property lease lawsuit filed in 1983 – Richard Aronovitz and another vs. Madlyn A. Fafard and another – has been going on for more than 25 years. And, in a Louisiana case based on a will from the 1800s – Gaines vs. Hennen – the case continued for 68 years, even after the woman who filed it had died, according to www.Justia.com, a website of the U.S. Supreme Court Center. Gracia says he’s just thankful that his client finally can move on.

DiVosta Homes to Host Model Open House at ModelPark

VENICE, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes will host a model open house celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 to showcase its four single-family model homes in the model park at IslandWalk at the West Villages, a gated community located on Salinas Street in Venice. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of PulteGroup, DiVosta’s parent company, said IslandWalk’s open house festivities will include live music, refreshments and tours of all four model homes. Mairn said the new Gray Myst model offers three bedrooms and two baths in 1,392 square feet of living space with a two-car garage priced from $176,490. The Surrey Crest model offers two bedrooms and two baths in 1,701 square feet of living space with a two-car garage priced from $232,490. The Surrey Crest features a 17-foot by 22-foot great room, center kitchen island and walk-in closet in master bedroom. With 1,811 square feet of living space the Vernon Hill model home offers three bedrooms and two baths with a two-car garage priced from $238,490 and features a den, guest bedroom with bay windows and dual vanities in the owner’s suite bath. The Dunwoody Trail model, priced from $274,290 is the largest of the four new model homes offering 2,315 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, an open kitchen that overlooks its enormous great room, full guest suite with private bath and walk-in closets in all bedrooms. Mairn said DiVosta Homes is offering a wide range of personalized options at IslandWalk at the West Villages to make each home unique with a variety of distinctive floor plans for each model home, including outdoor living areas and expanded “flex” rooms. IslandWalk at the West Villages is a unique resort-style community that features such amenities as a guarded gatehouse, full-time activities director, state-of-the-art fitness center, tropical resort-style swimming pool, a dedicated lap pool, eight tennis courts, two Bocce ball courts, a half basketball court, a movement studio, an activity room, a craft room, an enormous gathering room with a fireplace, a library, catering kitchen, lakeside gazebo, children’s playground and miles of walking trails.

Pulte Homes to Host Model Open House to Showcase Decorated Model Homes at The Quarry in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- Pulte Homes will host a model open house Saturday, Jan. 19 to showcase four decorated model homes at The Quarry, Pulte’s gated golf course community located off Immokalee Road in Naples. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup in South Florida, said the homebuilder will provide live music and refreshments at The Quarry open house celebration, along with tours of the model homes from 1 to 4 p.m. The Bellingwood II model, which offers two bedrooms and two baths in 1,800 square feet of living space with a two-car garage, is priced from $307,990. The Bellingwood II features dual walk-in closets in the master bedroom, walk-in kitchen pantry and a den or optional third bedroom. The Dartmouth II model with 2,547 square feet of living space, offers three bedrooms plus a den and three baths with a two-car garage priced from $404,990 and features a guest suite with bay windows and a private bath, coffered ceilings in its great room and walk-in closets in all bedrooms. The Windsor II priced from $461,990, offers 3,078 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, three baths, two-car garage, a den or optional fifth bedroom, oversized kitchen island and coffered ceilings. The Quarry community features the popular 18-hole Hurdzan-Fry championship golf course, Quarry Golf Lodge with its formal restaurant and bar, golf pro shop, two Bocce ball courts, billiards and card rooms, meeting and gathering rooms, Lake Lodge and Beach Club, bar and grille, resort-style lagoon pool, dedicated lap pool, fitness center and movement studio, massage and locker rooms, four lighted clay tennis courts, boat docks, cabanas and 830 acres of nature preserve.

First Green Bank’s Alan Rowe Appointed to Orlando Better Business Bureau Board of Directors Second Time

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Alan Rowe, regional president at First Green Bank, has been appointed a second time to the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of Central Florida (BBB). Rowe, who lives in Belle Isle, joined First Green Bank in January of 2011. He formerly served as a BBB Board member and was the Central Florida Region’s Chairman in 2003. The Better Business Bureau of Central Florida serves 11 counties across Central Florida.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Acquires Philadelphia-Based LMA Architects

ORLANDO, Fla./Blue Bell, Pa --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, which ranks as one of the nation’s most active designers of retail facilities, has acquired LMA Architects, a 35-year old architectural firm based just outside Philadelphia in Blue Bell, Pa. Jed Downs, president of Cuhaci & Peterson, said LMA Architects has served the needs of Wawa Convenience stores in the chain’s core mid-Atlantic markets since 1980. Wawa is based in Media, Pa., only a few miles from the LMA office and currently operates over 600 stores in their core markets. Acquisition of LMA Architects brings on new professional employees that will allow Cuhaci & Peterson to expand their reach while better serving the needs of Wawa Stores. “Cuhaci & Peterson has been the sole architect in the creation and expansion of Wawa stores in the Florida market for the last two years,” said Downs. “Our priority in 2013 will be to transition smoothly into a substantially larger design, engineering and planning firm that can meet all the needs of our existing clients more efficiently,” Downs said. Established in 1978, Cuhaci & Peterson currently employs more than 120 professionals to focus on retail and corporate architectural and engineering services. Downs said Oscar Martinez, AIA, owner of LMA Architects, will stay on in the new Cuhaci & Peterson Northeast office to assist with the transition.

NAI Realvest negotiates sale of office condominium for $500,000 at Maitland Professional Office Village

MAITLAND, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 3,700 square foot office condo at 630 N. Wymore Rd. in the Maitland Professional Office Village for $500,000.00. Tom R. Kelley, II, CCIM, principal at NAI Realvest negotiated the sale of Suite 330 at the center representing the seller Marlyn D. Felsing, LLC of Maitland. Longwood based FTI Funding LLC, a privately held investment firm, purchased the office condominium. Mark Harkins, Harkins Commercial, Inc. represented the buyer in the transaction.

Royal Oak Homes will be acquiring 116 home sites at Sorrento Springs Golf Course Community near Mount Dora

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, will be acquiring 116 new home sites at Sorrento Springs, a gated golf course community located off SR 46 in Mount Dora. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the community includes an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, fully equipped clubhouse and a resort-style swimming pool. Orosz said new three, four and five bedroom homes at Sorrento Springs will be priced from the 140's. Royal Oak Homes will start construction of the first new model home at Sorrento Springs in February. Currently Royal Oak Homes builds single-family homes in ten Central Florida communities. The third generation family home builder’s track record includes more than 14,000 new homes in Central Florida over the past 30 years.

Avalon Park West to premier two new model homes at Feb. 2 Grand Opening with a complimentary BBQ, bounce park, free gifts

Wesley Chapel, Fla. -- Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel will host a family-friendly grand opening at 5116 Autumn Ridge Drive in Wesley Chapel Saturday, Feb. 2 to unveil two new single family model homes priced from the $160s. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing for Avalon Park West, said admission to the grand opening is free and the public is invited to enjoy refreshments, family BBQ, bounce park for the kids and free gifts. Avex Homes is premiering its new Braden and Jesup II model homes at Avalon Park West. The single story Braden model home offers three bedrooms and two baths in 1,697 square feet of living space with a two car garage priced from $169,990,” Hodson said. Options include a lanai, study, bonus room, extended garage and upgraded master bath suite. The Braden model home is offered in three distinctive elevations. The two story Jesup II model home offers four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 2,974 square feet of living space with a two car garage and bonus room. The Jesup II model features a study and media room. Avex Homes is offering up to $7,000 in free closing costs and $10,000 towards upgrades with every new home sold during grand opening weekend, Hodson said. New home owners will get a second gift too: a free porch swing, which has come to symbolize the relaxed traditional family lifestyle at Avalon Park West. Built on the rich traditions of small-town life, Avalon Park West has a pedestrian friendly character with tree-lined streets meandering around lakes and neighborhood parks, rocking chair porches on its craftsman styled homes, nearby schools, and shops that are designed to evoke the ideal of main street America. Avex Homes is building 342 homes in the first phase, Cypress Village at Avalon Park West. Eventually Avalon Park West will have 4,400 homes and more than 700,000 square feet of commercial space in its Town Center. Avalon Park West is located 3.5 Miles East of I-75 on SR 54 at 5116 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel FL 33545. For information call 813-364-4918 or email Stephanie@avalonparkgroup.com

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease Agreements at Orlando, Kissimmee and Sanford Industrial Centers

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated three lease agreements totaling 15,890 square feet of industrial space in Orlando, Kissimmee and Sanford. NAI Realvest Associate Michael Heidrich, Jr., and Principal Michael Heidrich Sr. represented Winter Park based Brio LLC, the landlord at Brio Business Center in a lease agreement for 1,680 square feet at 1267 West Airport Blvd. The new tenant was represented in the transaction by NAI Realvest associate Paul Vera, broker associate Drew Saphos, CCIM with principal Christie Alexander and chairman George Livingston. In Kissimmee Heidrich Sr. brokered a new lease agreement for Landlord Small Bay Partners of Maitland and tenant Play Auto Export LLC who will occupy 1,890 square feet of industrial space at 1773 Business Center Lane in Poinciana CommerCenter East. A lease renewal for 12,320 square feet of industrial space was negotiated by Heidrich Sr. representing the Columbus, Ohio-based landlord Parkline Properties LLC for Units 8-10 at 8350 Parkline Blvd. in Parkline Business Center in Orlando. John Doran of RE Commercial represented local tenant Rotech Oxygen and Medical Equipment Inc.

Ashton Woods Homes to Start Development of 91 Home Sites at Whitaker Park in Sarasota Area

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes will start development of 91 luxury homes in January at Whitaker Park, located off Richardson Road in Sarasota County. John Reny, division president of Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay area, said 91 home sites are planned and the homebuilder will start construction of two model homes at Whitaker Park in the spring. New three, four and five bedroom homes at Whitaker Park will range in size from 1,700 square feet of living space to 3,000 square feet. Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com.

Ryland Homes Starts Selling, Construction underway of New Model Home at Tupelo in Mount Pleasant

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Ryland Homes recently started new home sales, and construction of a new model home at Tupelo, located on Hwy. 17 North near Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant. Don McDonough, division president of Ryland Homes in the Charleston region, said Ryland plans to build 60 new three, four and five bedroom homes in the first phase at Tupelo priced from the $200s. Eventually, Ryland Homes plans to build up to 300 new homes at Tupelo. Ryland Homes also has plans underway for an amenity center with a swimming pool, McDonough added. Ryland currently builds single family homes in seven communities throughout the Charleston-Myrtle Beach region. Visit www.ryland.com.

Investment expert George Livingston eyes bigger role for REITS as real estate market recovers, biggest targets will be retail, senior housing

MAITLAND, Fla. --- REITs — Real Estate Investment Trusts — will play a demonstrably larger role as the real estate market recovers, says longtime investment specialist George Livingston, chairman of NAI Realvest in Maitland. And while rental apartment communities will likely remain bread-and-butter projects for most REITs, Livingston said he expects REITs to play in increasingly aggressive role in the acquisition and development of senior housing facilities and retail properties. “As a rule, REITs tend to seek passive investments and refer assets with safe, predictable dividends,” Livingston explained. “REITs have played such a dominant role in multi-family housing that there is less room for expansion now. We anticipate more adventurous REITs will accept higher risk and the opportunity for higher dividends by investing in secondary property types as the economy improves, along with senior housing facilities,” he said. Livingston said REITs have recovered in a generally uniform manner with positive returns since 2009. “The best performing REITs were better capitalized, has access to more financing options, owned better quality assets, and sought less risky strategies,” he said. But that may change as the market recovers in 2013. “Recent returns in U.S. REITs were roughly the same as the American broad market. In past years, the REITs typically outperformed U.S. stocks,” Livingston said. “Capital for growth is available from institutional partners, public offerings, secondary offerings and free sale of assets, and the overall outlook for REITs is very positive,” Livingston said.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appoints Lindsey Wells Associate in Orlando/Dr. Phillips Global Marketing Center

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Lindsey Wells an International Luxury Homes Specialist in its Orlando/Dr. Phillips Global Marketing Center. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Wells was born in the U.K. and taught English to active adults in Poland, Spain, Turkey and Slovakia. As a member of the British First Minister’s Team at the inception of the Welsh Assembly government, she served as a liaison with the Royal Family 10 Downing Street, Soderstrom said. She was raised in a hunting, shooting and fishing family and was a frequent fox hunter and avid skier. As a graduate of the Realtor Institute, Wells earned the coveted GRI professional designation and is also credentialed as a Short Sale and Foreclosure Realtor (SFR). She is a member of the Global Business Committee and Global Networking Forum, Soderstrom added. Wells moved to Orlando two years ago and has served as a state investment properties representative and a sales associate at Solivita. Soderstrom said Wells will specialize in luxury home sales, investment properties, active adult communities and land acquisitions.