First Green Bank Ranks among Best Community Banks in Florida in Two Independent Banking Industry Studies

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- Two recently released independent banking industry surveys have ranked First Green Bank among the strongest in asset quality in Florida for its conservative approach to asset quality. Four-year-old First Green Bank, headquartered in Mount Dora with branch offices in Orlando, Clermont and Ormond Beach and a fourth branch to open in Winter Park later this year, was judged among the best in the Central Florida region in both asset quality and lending strength and scored a 1.2 in the vaunted Texas ratio, a banking industry standard since the 1980s. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said a statewide Asset Quality Review by the Carson Medlin Company, the independent banking industry division of Monroe Securities, Inc., ranked First Green Bank first in the seven-county Central Florida region in its ratio of assets to non-performing assets and tied for second in the region with the ratio of average loans to NCO’s (net charge offs). Excluding First Green Bank’s single restructured loan, Carson Medlin gave First Green Bank perfect ‘0.0’ scores on the Texas Ratio, it’s non-performing assets (NPA’s) and its ratio of NPA’s to assets, LaRoe said. A second study, the Hovde Group Quarterly Florida Bank Peer Performance Report, gave First Green Bank a perfect score on the Texas ratio — the best in Central Florida. “The Carson Medlin and Hovde Group surveys are independent, highly respected and highly anticipated report cards for community banks that provide an accurate measure of banking policies, strategies and success,” LaRoe said. “We all feel a great sense of pride to have scored so well, given our age and size,” LaRoe said.

Watts and Water Solutions, Inc. and Aquarii Services, Inc. in Winter Springs Enter “Teaming” Agreement with Chugach World Services, Inc. (CWSI) of Alaska

Winter Springs, Fla. –Watts and Water Solutions, Inc., and its sister company Aquarii Services, Inc., has entered into a “teaming” marketing agreement with Chugach World Services Inc. (CWSI) of Anchorage, Alaska. Watts and Water Solutions Inc. developed the Aquarii Solar Thermal Desiccant Dehumidification System that can reduce air conditioning and water heating costs in large buildings. Cliff D’Angelo, president of Watts and Water Solutions, Inc., said CWSI is a subsidiary of Chugach Alaska Corporation, an Alaska Native Regional Corporation that provides business and construction services to government agencies and installations around the globe. “The Aquarii Solar Thermal Desiccant Dehumidification System employs solar technology to produce dramatic results for building owners and developers,” D’Angelo said. “Aquarii has developed the technology to harness sustainable energy resources in a way to dramatically reduce the energy needs to produce a safe, comfortable indoor working environment, and Chugach plans to utilize Aquarii technology to enhance buildings and facilities to significantly exceed today’s standards for energy efficiency,” D’Angelo explained. Aquarii Services, Inc. is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation program’s Winter Springs site on S.R.434.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Office Expansion Lease for 4,700 Square Feet at Plaza North on Douglas Avenue in Altamonte

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated an office expansion lease agreement for suites 1100, 1200 and 1300 totaling 4,700 square feet in Plaza North, 385 Douglas Ave. Altamonte Springs. NAI Realvest Principal Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM and Associate Chris Adams brokered the transaction on behalf of the landlord US Bank National Association of Irving, Texas. The local tenant is The Continental Group, income property management specialists already occupying suite 3000 in the same building with 11,715 square feet, but need additional space for current and anticipated growth.

WINSTON-JAMES DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATES LEASE OF 2,804 SQUARE FEET AT ALOMA BUSINESS CENTER IN WINTER PARK

SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. – Winston-James Development Company, based in South Daytona, has negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,804 square feet of office space at its Aloma Business Center on Aloma Ave. in Winter Park. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development said Tcreative leased the space for its operations specializing in marketing and company and product branding. The new tenant is relocating from a smaller Winter Park location and has been in business for 10 years. SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. – Winston-James Development Company, based in South Daytona, has negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,804 square feet of office space at its Aloma Business Center on Aloma Ave. in Winter Park. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development said Tcreative leased the space for its operations specializing in marketing and company and product branding. The new tenant is relocating from a smaller Winter Park location and has been in business for 10 years.

Hanover Land Company Reports Acquisition of 1,184 Home Sites in 2012

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hanover Land Company, a major Central Florida residential property developer based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, reports it acquired 1,184 residential home sites in 2012. Bill Orosz, managing director for Hanover Land Company, said the assets are expected to generate in excess of $60 million in revenue as the lots are re-sold to other builders in Central Florida. Hanover Land Company is under the same ownership as its sister company Royal Oak Homes. Royal Oak is one of the fastest growing new home builders in Central Florida. Orosz said Hanover Land's newest project was the acquisition of Bridgeford Crossing. The community is located in northeast Polk County and features over 100 finished homesites with clubhouse, fitness center, theater, and resort style pool. Currently, Hanover Land Company is also developing over 200 homesites in Winter Garden and Winter Park.

Emerson International Leases 10,445 Square Feet of Office Space at Sanlando Center in Longwood

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently closed on a new lease agreement for 10,445 square feet of office space at Sanlando I, 2170 West S.R. 434, Longwood, FL Kenneth Koch, director of leasing at Emerson International, negotiated the new long-term lease agreement. Lisa Bailey of Morrison Commercial Realty participated in the transaction representing the new tenant, ATEC Systems.

Lennar Homes Opens Four-Bedroom, Three-Bath Alexandria Model Home at Emerson Park in Ave Maria

Ave Maria, Fla. --- The unique master-planned town of Ave Maria has something new to boast about: Lennar Homes has opened its smart new Alexandria model home at Emerson Park in Ave Maria, located off Camp Keais Road south of Immokalee Road. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for the Southwest Florida division of Lennar Homes, said the single-story Alexandria model home offers four bedrooms, three baths and an open design that maximizes space, with a counterfacing kitchen, breakfast nook, formal dining room, family room and covered patio for family living and entertainment space. Better yet, the 1,904 square foot model home is priced from just $203,990. “We think the Alexandria model home best showcases everything we have to offer at Emerson Park in Ave Maria,” Devereaux said. But there’s more to come: Lennar plans to build as many as 100 new three, four and five-bedroom homes at Emerson Park in eight different designs from Lennar’s award-winning Executive Home collection, which ranges from 1,340 square feet to 3,357 square feet. All homes built by Lennar at Emerson Park at Ave Maria come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: Extras such as granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile are all included in the Lennar Homes price. The Alexandria model at Emerson Park---professionally decorated and fully furnished---is open for tours daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Call 877 206-8048 for information or visit www.lennar.com

Royal Oak Homes sets sales record for January, selling 30 homes valued at More than $6 Million

Orlando, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, established a new sales record by selling 30 homes during January for a dollar volume in excess of $6 million. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes said the January sales were 300 percent higher than the same period in 2012 when Royal Oak sold 11 homes, and the highest during a single month since the homebuilder started operations. During all of last year Royal Oak sold 199 homes totaling some $17 million. “We’ll do even better this year,” Orosz said. Royal Oak Homes is currently building and selling homes at 12 communities in Lake, Polk, Orange and Osceola Counties. 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.

Tampa Division of Ryland Homes Earns National Recognition with 15 Eliant Homebuyer’s Choice Awards In 2013

Tampa, Fla. --- The Tampa Division of Ryland Homes earned national recognition recently when Eliant, an independent customer satisfaction consultant that surveys home buyers nationwide, awarded Ryland’s Tampa Division 15 Homebuyer’s Choice Awards for 2013. Joe Fontana, president of the Ryland Homes Tampa division, said Eliant surveyed home buyers throughout the Tampa Bay region. Ryland’s Tampa Bay division earned four Premier Awards and 11 Honorable Mentions in the 2013 Eliant Awards, Fontana said. “We are very proud and also excited that an independent survey of home buyers has ranks us at the top in the Tampa Bay region and among the best home builders in the U.S.,” Fontana said. The Eliant Awards are presented annually. Eliant is based in San Clemente, California. Ryland Homes builds new homes in 16 communities in the Tampa Bay region priced from $112,990. For more information please go to www.ryland.com/tampa.

Meritage Homes names Boeneman vice president of operations

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Meritage Homes has named veteran home builder Gerry Boeneman vice president of operations. Brian Kittle, vice president of Meritage Homes said Boeneman has more than 15 years of experience as a home builder. Boeneman has a bachelor’s degree in building construction management from Michigan State University and is a certified building contractor in the state of Florida.

Winston James Development, Villages of Royal Palm to enter two luxury homes in Volusia Parade of Homes

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- Winston James Development, the developers of The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange plan to showcase two luxury homes during the upcoming Volusia Home Builders Parade of Homes in March. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Development, said he plans to showcase the Cottage Series model home and the Windsor Plus model home during the Parade, which is expected to draw more than 2,000 participants for tours of The Villages of Royal Palm. Schwartz said both models are potential Parade winners. The Cottage Series model home, with three bedrooms and two baths in 1,304 square feet of living space, features a huge covered lanai and a flex room/den along with a two car garage, all priced from $169,900. The Windsor Plus model home priced from $285,000 offers four bedrooms, and two baths in 2,416 square feet of living space.

Aquarii Services, Inc. of Winter Springs to Provide a Cost-Effective Renewable Energy Solution at Patrick AFB

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Aquarii Services, Inc., developer of the Aquarii Solar Thermal Desiccant Dehumidification System to control humidity in buildings using solar hot water recently announced it has contracted with Florida City Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: GAS), to provide a renewable energy solution for Patrick Air Force Base in Brevard County. Aquarii Services will install an innovative system that utilizes four new technologies which can be replicated on any residential or commercial facility: Solar Thermal Hot Water, Desiccant Dehumidification, Tankless water heating, and Advanced Controls and Data Collection Systems. Aquarii Services, Inc. is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs. Florida City Gas, as a member of the Associated Gas Distributors of Florida organization, works closely with the University of Central Florida’s Solar Energy Center to analyze and provide independent data regarding the achieved efficiency of natural gas appliances and equipment. In an effort to combine the benefits of clean, affordable natural gas with a dehumidification system that uses solar energy as its primary source of heat, Florida City Gas was selected to work with Aquarii Services, Inc. for design and implementation of the project with Patrick Air Force Base. Florida City Gas first introduced the solar desiccant concept to Patrick AFB and then worked together with Aquarii Systems to develop a customized solution to significantly shorten the time it takes for Patrick AFB to dry parachutes and thus solve a critical need during jump school training. Florida City Gas will provide project management services throughout construction. The project was contracted using a General Service Administration Area wide Public Utilities Contract which allows Florida City Gas to implement certain energy conservation and renewable projects at any federal facility in its service territory. Energy consumption and efficiency data from the project will be provided to the Florida Solar Energy Center for analysis from Florida City Gas via its conservation demonstration and development program.

Stonegate Golf Club, Poinciana Family YMCA to host Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament April 13

Poinciana, Fla. --- Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita and The Poinciana Family YMCA is teaming up to host the 2013 Inaugural YMCA Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 13. Christopher Russell, PGA, TPI, head golf professional at Stonegate Golf Club, said golfers will tee off at the Oaks Golf Course at Stonegate with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at a special dinner that starts at 6 p.m., Russell said. The children of the YMCA will provide the evening’s dinner entertainment with a special program, Russell added. To register for the tournament, sponsor a hole, or to learn more information, telephone the Stonegate Golf Club Office at 863-427-7150 or the Poinciana Family YMCA at 863-496-1814.

Geocove, Inc. Earns Contract to Provide GIS-Based Technology to Melbourne, Australia Metropolitan Fire Brigade

ORLANDO, Fla., --- Geocove, Inc., the Orlando technology firm that developed the award-winning ARM360 GIS-based disaster assessment system for local, state and regional governments and NGOs worldwide, recently earned a contract to provide its ARM360 technology and training to the Melbourne, Australia Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB). Geocove Founder and Chief Executive Officer Karyn Tareen said Geocove specialists have already begun orientation and training of MFB specialists in Melbourne. Geocove’s proprietary ARM360 disaster assessment software permits disaster response authorities to assess damage from fire, storm or other disasters throughout the area they serve accurately and in real time. Tareen said the system was designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. “Once we deploy the system, orienting field personnel arms them with the fastest and most accurate pictures of disaster effects, impacts and damages they can get,” Tareen explained. Melbourne’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade serves an area that covers more than 1,000 square kilometers---386 square miles, that’s larger than Dallas, Louisville, or San Diego---and includes four million residents, workers and visitors as well as billions of dollars of assets and infrastructure. William Drysdale, Commander of Special Operations and Search and Rescue for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, said Geocove’s ARM360 technology won out over more than a dozen competitors due to its features and ease of use. “We will use Geocove’s ARM360 technology at both small and large emergency events,” Commander Drysdale said. “ARM360 allows responders in the field to gather intelligence simply and easily, and Command Staff can view the scene and plan deployments in real time,” Drysdale added. Tareen said Melbourne’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade is a marquee client. “Geocove is thrilled to have ARM360 selected as the go-to damage assessment system by such a prestigious agency as Melbourne’s MFB,” Tareen said. “It proves that a well built emergency system can support not only the U.S.-based FEMA documentation and emergency requirements but support the Emergency Management community around the world,” she said.

Winston James Development announces sale of award-winning Windsor Model Home at Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- Winston James Development recently sold its award winning Windsor model home at The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange for $305,000. The model home will be leased back to the builder for one year. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Development, developers of The Villages of Royal Palm, said the four-bedroom, two-bath luxury home offers 2,226 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. Only 25 home sites remain for sale in the current phase at The Villages of Royal Palm at prices ranging from the $150s.

New Casa Mofongo Restaurant at Downtown Avalon Park means 65,000 square foot Town Center is fully leased

AVALON PARK, Fla. --- Avalon Park Group, which is developing the 1,800 acre Avalon Park community in southeast Orlando, reports it recently closed on a new long term lease agreement for 1,769 square feet of retail space in the Towncenter II building in Downtown Avalon Park with Casa Mofongo, a very popular franchise from Puerto Rico. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing at Avalon Park Group, said the new lease marks two important milestones for the community developer. “Casa Mofongo is the 15th and newest dining venue in Downtown Avalon Park,” Hodson said. In addition, the new Latin eatery, which seats 60 patrons took the last available retail space that Avalon Park Group owns in the 65,000 square foot downtown district. The anticipated open date is at the end of March 2013. “We are 100 percent leased,” Hodson said. Avalon Park is located off Alafaya Trail south of SR 50 in Southeast Orlando.

Ryland Homes Promotes Tony Crimi to National Vice President of Sales and Marketing

TAMPA, Fla. --- Tony Crimi, a 30-year veteran in homebuilding and formerly vice president of sales and marketing for the Tampa division of Ryland Homes, was recently promoted to national vice president of sales. Crimi is now responsible for sales and marketing for 19 Ryland Homes divisions in 13 states. The University of Tampa graduate joined Ryland Homes in 2006 as a regional sales manager and was later promoted to vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland’s Tampa Bay division. Joe Fontana, president of Ryland Homes in Tampa, said Crimi has played a major role in Ryland’s growth in the Tampa Bay region. “Tony Crimi is one of the most knowledgeable marketing experts in the U.S. home building industry today and he’s always been a very giving person--sharing his knowledge and insight comes naturally for him,” Fontana said. For more information please go to www.ryland.com/tampa.

ICI Homes Names New HR Manager At Daytona Headquarters

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes has named Linda D. Caracushansky Human Resources Manager at its corporate headquarters in Daytona Beach. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said Caracushansky has 11 years of HR experience and is a graduate of Instituto de Ciencios de la Salud CES in Colombia, South America. After a career as a dentist, Caracushansky entered the HR field and received her PHR certification in 2006. She is a Port Orange resident who volunteers as a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society and the Halifax Humane Society.

Park Square Homes to host realtor open house at Solterra in Davenport March 25

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes will host a Realtor open house at its newest community of Solterra in Davenport south of Orlando near Disney on Monday March 25. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said 100 home sites will be available at Solterra with homes ranging from 1,600 square feet of living space to 3,300 square feet priced from $260,000. The resort-style gated community, located on Ronald Reagan Parkway in Davenport, will offer a luxury club house, resort-styled swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness center and recreational field. Rouhana said the event is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. Refreshments and lunch will be served, and Realtors should RSVP to lgaravelo@parksquarehomes.com.

STARWOOD LAND VENTURES, LLC, REPORTS STRONG LOT SALES TO HOMEBUILDERS IN 2012; CONTINUED HOUSING REBOUND IN 2013

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL – Starwood Land Ventures, LLC (“SLV”), a Starwood Capital Group affiliated real estate investment firm that specializes in residential land development, recently reported strong lot sales to homebuilders in 2012 at many of its top selling master-planned communities in Florida, Arizona and Colorado. Highlights of the fiscal year 2012 include:  Nearly 1,500 residential lots sold to 13 different national public and large private builders in Florida, Arizona and Colorado.  In Florida, SLV's Independence was named the #1 selling master-planned community in Orlando, with 230 homes sold in 2012; and in Tampa, SLV's Live Oak Preserve was named the #2 selling community in Tampa, with 200 homes sold in 2012.  With the opening of Terrain, a 1,800 lot master-planned community in the south Denver metro, a combined 275 lots were sold in 2012 to Taylor Morrison, Tri-pointe Homes and Lennar.  In Phoenix, Arizona, at SLV's three actively selling communities Sienna Hills, Arroyo Norte and Homestead, 300 combined homesites were sold to various builders. “Since our inception in 2007, SLV has invested over $220 million to acquire nearly 17,000 residential lots,” said Mike Moser, co-CEO of SLV. “To date, we have generated over $200 million in proceeds from our sales.” Mike Forsum, co-CEO, noted the major markets in which SLV has concentrated its acquisitions are showing increased permitting and sales activity, with Phoenix being especially robust. SLV now has three active communities in Phoenix and expects to add two more in 2013. “Over the last few years, our strategy of purchasing, repositioning and operating new home communities in markets with strong job growth prospects has now positioned the Company to fulfill its long-term strategic plan of being one of the nation's most active providers of homesites to the hombuilding industry as the market recovers. We have multiple, well-located residential communities which are now selling lots to several of the nation's top quality homebuilders, including Lennar, Taylor Morrison, DR Horton, KB Home and other national players,” Forsum said. “Though we are satisfied with our past acquisitions, we continue to look for opportunities as we see demand growing for residential building lots, especially among the national builders who continue to ramp up their homebuilding operations in response to this recovery.” “SLV is uniquely positioned to continue its dominance as one of a few land developers remaining that provides quality lots and locations to some of the top builders in the country,” said Moser.

Pulte Homes to host The Quarry Beach Party and Model Homes Showcase March 3 at The Quarry in Naples with pontoon boat tours

Naples, Fla. --- Pulte Homes will host The Quarry Beach Party and Model Homes Showcase from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3 at The Quarry, a gated golf course community located on Siesta Bay Drive off Immokalee Road in Naples. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte, said admission is free and the public is invited to tour model homes, enjoy live music, refreshments and water ski show, explore the Lake Lodge and Beach Club and take a pontoon boat tour of The Quarry. Pulte Homes builds carriage homes and single-family homes at The Quarry priced from the low $200s to the $500s. New homes at The Quarry range in size from 1,641 square feet of living space to 3,110 square feet. The Quarry community features the popular 18-hole Hurdzan-Fry championship golf course; the Golf Lodge with its formal restaurant and bar, golf pro shop, billiards and card rooms, and meeting and gathering rooms; and the Lake Lodge and Beach Club, featuring a bar and grille, resort-style lagoon pool, dedicated lap pool, fitness center and movement studio, massage and locker rooms, four lighted clay tennis courts, two Bocce ball courts, boat docks, cabanas and 830 acres of nature preserve.

NAI Realvest Negotiates sale of three-acre commercial development site in Winter Springs

Maitland, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a three-acre development site on the west side of Winding Hollow Blvd. just south of SR 434 in Winter Springs. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the seller, Wintersprings Land LTD based in Maitland. The buyer, Altamonte Springs-based Florida Trust Administration LLC, will develop a professional office facility on the site at the entrance of the Winding Hollow subdivision. The project will be called the Offices at Winding Hollow. Gary Medley of Venture I Properties Inc. represented the buyer in the transaction.

CAMCAD Technologies Starts 2013 with Top Honor - Awarded Surfcam® Number One Reseller in North America

Winter Springs, Fla. -- CAMCAD Technologies, Inc., an award-winning provider of innovative and proven manufacturing solutions based in Central Florida, has been recognized as SURFCAM's #1 value-added reseller (VAR) for the month of January, 2013. Surfware, Inc. is a leading provider of milling and metal cutting software solutions for machine shops across the world and developer of the global leader SURFCAM® CAD/CAM systems. Surfware ended the month of January with one of the most successful sales records in several years, and attributes their success to software VARs, such as CAMCAD Technologies, Inc. "It is a difficult task to be a successful Software Sales organization today and in any type of market. Surfware, Inc. is very fortunate to have such a loyal and dedicated organization of Software VARs to partner with, all of you are a valuable asset to the success of this business," stated Matt Soucy, VAR Channel Manager at Surfware, Inc. For more than 20 years, CAMCAD Technologies, Inc., has made it a priority to provide manufacturers with a variety of tools and services designed to ensure increased productivity and profitability and boasts a portfolio of significant successes. "We are bullish with respect to the economy here in the southeast and look forward to continued growth at CAMCAD. This is certainly a great start to 2013 and we are very appreciative of the recognition," commented Alison Wildblood, CAMCAD chief executive officer. CAMCAD Technologies, Inc. has continually ranked in the top five of SURFCAM resellers for the past 17 years. In 2011, they were recognized as the top reseller in July and October, and in 2009 were awarded the prestigious Reseller of the Year. The honor for top sales in January solidifies their position as a leader in innovative and proven manufacturing solutions. CAMCAD Technologies Inc. is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs.

Sotheby’s International Realty Network Launches Ad Campaign Targeting Top 10 Percent of World Population — Local Based Stirling Sotheby’s Heavily Involved

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC, including Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, has launched its 2013 marketing campaign with plans to use top drawer media including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Hong Kong Tattler and BBC.com to create 700 million impressions — enough to reach 10 percent of the world’s current population. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in Lake Mary, one of the Sotheby’s Realty network’s 650 offices in 45 countries and territories worldwide, said the marketing campaign will target the wealthiest 10 percent of us who can afford to consider buying a luxury home. “We joined the Sotheby’s International Realty Network early in its inception nearly seven years ago because real estate is now global and Sotheby’s International Realty is the world’s leading luxury real estate brand,” Soderstrom said. That means some real marketing power in the hands of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty associates who are helping luxury home owners sell their homes. And it means a decided advantage for luxury home owners in the Central Florida area, Soderstrom said. “We have a worldwide audience of affluent home buyers and one of the world’s most popular destinations is right here in Florida,” Soderstrom said. In 2012 Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty represented buyers and sellers from 12 different countries including China, Canada, Brazil and the U.K., Soderstrom said. Most luxury home buyers come from the U.S., Soderstrom said, but an increasing number come from overseas. “No matter what you hear on the news, the U.S. is by far the safest, most secure and most desirable environment in which to raise a family and enjoy the fruits of one’s labors,” Soderstrom said. “By marketing our clients’ luxury homes to a broader worldwide audience, we increase the potential value of every luxury home we represent,” he added. Last year Sotheby’s International launched specialty market websites to market farm, ranch, waterfront and ski properties, Soderstrom said. Soon Sotheby’s plans to launch new specialty websites that focus on golf, historic and metropolitan luxury homes and properties. “Last year Sothebysrealty.com logged seven million visits and four million unique visitors,” Soderstrom said. “We think we have the most powerful luxury real estate marketing tool on the planet.”

Park Square Homes posts 29 percent jump in sales in 2012

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes, reported its 2012 sales grew by more than 29 percent over 2011 sales. Park Square Homes builds town homes, single family and resort vacation homes in 11 Orlando area communities. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said much of the increase can be attributed to a rising economy and to several new communities Park Square Homes opened in 2012. Park Square Homes recently announced it will start construction of 24 new homes at Solterra, a new resort style country community located on Ronald Reagan Parkway in Davenport south of Orlando near Disney and plans to start its first model home in March at Bellalago located off Pleasant Hill Rd. in Kissimmee. Earlier this year Park Square Homes hosted a grand opening to showcase two new models at Summerbrooke in Mount Dora and a grand opening is scheduled for March 2 to premiere two new models at the gated town home community of Prairie Lake Reserve on N. Clark Road in Ocoee.

Villages of Royal Palm opens two ready-to-move-in luxury homes, starts construction on two more

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm, the award winning active adult community in Port Orange, recently opened two new ready-to-move-in luxury homes and started construction on two more. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Development, the developer of the Villages of Royal Palm, said the new three bedroom luxury homes range in size from 1,300 of living space to 2,400 square feet, priced from the low $200s to more than $340,000. The two homes under construction will range from 1,600 square feet to 2,400 square feet and will be priced from the $200s. The homes under construction will offer three and four bedrooms.

Hendricks-Berkadia Negotiates $1.4 Million Price in Sale of Eight-Acre Development Site in Palm Beach County

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks-Berkadia, which ranks as one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking, research and real estate advisory companies, recently negotiated a $1.4 million sale price for an eight-acre development site on Military Trail and Knollwood Rd. in Palm Beach County. Cole Whitaker, partner who heads the southeast division of Hendricks-Berkadia, and associate partner Hal Warren negotiated the sale representing the seller, Capstone Resdev, LLC. CA Miami 7788 OMT LLC was the buyer.

Aerospace and Communication Technology Training Center to open Florida campus at UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Avionica, a Puerto Rican company that provides training for U.S. military veterans and civilians who want a head start in the fields of aerospace and communications technology, has opened its first office at the University of Central Florida Business Incubation facility, 111 E. Monument Ave. in Kissimmee. Rafael Caamano, associate director for the UCF Business Incubation Program, said Avionica is the newest company to join the UCF Business Incubation Program’s Soft Landing program. The unique “soft landing” program enables companies to test their products and services in Florida and the U.S. before locating permanent offices here. Avionica founder and chief executive officer Israel Mercado, a 30 year veteran of the aviation industry, said Avionica is authorized by the FCC to provide training and to certify students who successfully complete Avionica’s training and meet all necessary qualifications. Our mission is to establish a permanent home for Avionica’s U.S. mainland operations at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport. "Aviation is one of the City of Kissimmee's targeted industries. We welcome Avionica to the incubator program and look forward to seeing them grow and move into a permanent facility at our Kissimmee Gateway Airport," said Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard, Kissimmee Economic Development Director.

ICI Homes’ Social Network, Online Marketing Boosts Sales Traffic by More Than 30 Percent

Daytona Beach, Fla. --- ICI Homes, which builds luxury communities and luxury homes at communities in the Orlando-Kissimmee area, Tampa, the Volusia-Flagler and Jacksonville areas reports its presence online and at social networks has increased sales inquiries by more than 30 percent. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said the firm’s online marketing division will likely hire three to four new professionals this year to expand its reach. “Most home homebuyers today use the Internet to gather information about home builders and communities,” Messina said. “We have developed an active and fully dynamic online presence to establish relationships with prospective buyers before they even visit a sales center in one of our communities,” Messina explained.

Henin Homes at Riviera Bella in DeBary Holds Realtor VIP Grand Opening for its Turino Model Home

DEBARY, Fla. – Henin Homes will host a Realtor VIP grand opening celebration to showcase its Turino model home at Riviera Bella in DeBary on Feb. 21 from 4-7 p.m. Matt Boltz, vice president at Henin Homes, Inc. said hors d’oevres and refreshments will be available and door prizes will be given away every 30 minutes. Realtors can win a Kindle Fire just for taking a tour the Turino model which offers five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths with 3,469 square feet of living space and base priced at $347,400. Boltz said there are 23 home sites available at Riviera Bella, the luxury community overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary. Homes at Riviera Bella start at $241,800, Boltz said. Realtors should RSVP for the event at info@Henin-co.com.

Henin Homes at Riviera Bella in DeBary reports a record construction boom with 15 luxury homes underway, 13 presold

DeBary, Fla. --- Henin Homes, the home building division of Riviera Bella Developer Henin Group, reports a building boom is underway at the luxury community overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary. Matt Boltz, vice president of Henin Homes, Inc., said 15 new homes are currently under construction at Riviera Bella and 13 of them are already sold. Boltz said the new three, four and five bedroom luxury homes under construction now range in size from 2,000 square feet of living space to 4,500 square feet, priced from $241,000 to more than $400,000.

ICI Homes reports community visits by prospective home buyers is up more than 30 percent over last year

Daytona Beach, Fla. --- ICI Homes reports that the number of prospective buyers visiting ICI communities in the Orlando-Kissimmee, Jacksonville and Volusia-Flagler areas this year is up more than 30 percent over last year. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes, said January sales show that sales are likely to grow by as much as 30 percent year over year. Messina added that new home sales in 2012 were up more than 10 percent over 2011 sales. ICI Homes does not comment on specific number of sales.

Ryland Homes starts construction of four bedroom Inverness model home at Grey Hawk Landing in Bradenton

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Ryland Homes has started construction of a four bedroom model home at Grey Hawk Landing, located off Grey Hawk Blvd. off SR 64 east of I-75 in Bradenton. Tony Crimi, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota-Manatee area, said the 2,840 square foot Inverness model home with three and one-half baths, is the largest home Ryland plans to build at Grey Hawk Landing with some of the largest family living space in the area. Crimi said the Inverness model design features a huge kitchen that serves a breakfast nook and counter facing the dining room, a family room, living room, game room and screened in extended lanai for family living and entertaining. The Inverness model home will be professionally furnished and decorated when it opens in mid-April, Crimi said. Ryland plans to build 40 new three and four bedroom homes at Grey Hawk Landing that range from 1,853 square feet of living space, priced from the low $200s. For more information please go to www.ryland.com/tampa.

ICI Homes Names Seasoned Homebuilding Executive to serve as Sales Manager for North Florida Division

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- ICI Homes, which ranks as one of the most active luxury home builders and luxury community developers in the U.S., has named Lisa A. Sarraf, sales manager for its North Florida division. Don Wilford, North Florida division president for ICI Homes, said Sarraf has more than 25 years of experience in new home sales and community development. Most recently she was a project manager for WCI Communities in Bonita Springs. Wilford said in her new role Sarraf will serve in sales operations and be based at ICI’s North Florida division offices in Jacksonville “We are pleased to have an executive of Lisa’s caliber join our sales operations team. With the advantages of her extensive experience, she will play a significant role in our growth in the North Florida region,” said Wilford.

First Green Bank Names Architect for Winter Park Branch, Sets Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening for New Orlando Branch in April

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank with headquarters in Mount Dora and branches in Downtown Orlando, Clermont and Ormond Beach, recently appointed the Orlando architectural firm of VOA Associates to draw up building and site plans for a Winter Park branch. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer at First Green Bank, said the Winter Park branch will open by the end of the third quarter of this year. “We can’t be specific on the location because the transaction has not closed,” LaRoe said, adding that the site us under contract. Meanwhile, LaRoe said ribbon cutting for the downtown Orlando branch on Orange Ave. will be held April 11 with ceremonies starting at 6 p.m. LaRoe said loan volume at First Green Bank in January soared over $10 million and February is on track to be a record month. In 2012, First Green Bank broke records for assets and loan volume with assets totaling more than $200 million and loan volume at $151 million. First Green Bank‘s headquarters in Mount Dora ranks as one of the few commercial buildings in Florida to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum certification. The firm was also named one of the nation’s greenest banks by the American Bankers Association.

Del Webb Southshore Falls to Host 1950’s-Style Sock Hop Featuring DJ Wayne Feb. 23 at Wellspring Clubhouse

APOLLO BEACH, Fla. --- Del Webb Southshore Falls, the gated, active adult community in Apollo Beach, will host a 1950’s-themed Saturday Sock Hop starting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Wellspring Clubhouse. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb’s North Florida Division, said the event is complimentary to the public. Guests are asked to register at the Del Webb Southshore Falls sales and information center before Feb. 21. To register, call 866-813-4712. Food and entertainment — featuring DJ Wayne and all the hits that made the 1950’s such a popular decade — will be provided, Strickler said. Del Webb Southshore Falls offers the 14,000 square foot Wellspring Club with its Seven Seas Grand Ballroom, heated tropical lagoon-style swimming pool, auxiliary pool, 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 a multitude of social clubs. Four models open daily. Del Webb Southshore Falls features villa and single family homes priced from under $140,000.

Lennar Homes Opens Three Ready-To-Move-In Executive Homes at Emerson Park in Ave Maria

Ave Maria, Fla. --- The unique master-planned town of Ave Maria east of Naples took note recently when Lennar Homes completed three new ready-to-move-in Executive Homes at Emerson Park, Lennar’s new community located off Camp Keais Road south of Immokalee Road. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for the Southwest Florida division of Lennar Homes, said Realtors and real estate web sites lit up with the news. And for good reason. Lennar’s Executive Homes at Emerson Park are the first of a wave of new home building that could bring as many as 100 new homes to Emerson Park over the next two years, including Lennar’s most innovative new home design---the widely heralded NextGen® home for two and three-generation families. Devereaux said the three ready-to-move-in homes---the three-bedroom Capri model, the four-bedroom Amalfi model and the four-bedroom Navona, are Lennar’s newest expression of the unique Ave Maria lifestyle. The single-story Capri, at 4389 Steinbeck Way in Ave Maria, is base priced from $190,990 with 1,677 square feet of living space. The open plan design, which sweeps from the breakfast nook through a huge kitchen into a magnificent great room and beyond to a lanai with its own bath, offers everything Florida living is known for. The two-story Amalfi model at 4388 Steinbeck Way offers 2,529 square feet and an extra bedroom and three baths for growing families, with a dramatic island kitchen, a huge great room and a lanai large enough for a family gathering or a neighborhood party priced from $243,470. The spectacular two-story Navona at 4355 Kentucky Way offers four bedrooms and three baths, a huge kitchen that opens onto the great room and lanai, a huge second-floor bonus room, a private pool bath, and a front porch along with a two-car garage, all priced from $277,470. Features such as granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile floors in common areas are included in Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pricing. Among the amenities at Ave Maria are a community pool, park, picnic area, walking and biking trails are and a town square with restaurants and boutiques. The Welcome Home Center at Emerson Park at Ave Maria located at 5076 Annunciation Drive, Ave Maria, FL 34142 is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5. Call 877 206-8048 for information or visit www.lennar.com

Lennar Promotes Mike Southward to Land Development Manager

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division has named Mike Southward Land Development Manager. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Southward has more than 26 years of experience as a homebuilding executive in the Central Florida region and has been with Lennar more than 11 years, most recently as purchasing director. He attended Michigan Tech University.

AWARD WINNING TOAST OF TAMPA CHORUS PERFORMS LIVE TO SELL-OUT CROWD AT DEL WEBB STONE CREEK IN OCALA

OCALA, Fla. -- The 100 member Toast of Tampa Chorus recently performed to a sell-out crowd at the Reunion Center at Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales and marketing for Del Webb in North Florida, said “The Toast of Tampa Chorus is part of the Sweet Adeline International organization and they are known the world over.” Patti Naman, Del Webb Stone Creek resident and long time Toast of Tampa member organized the event, Strickler said, “and we look forward to more performances from this world class group.” The 25-year-old Toast of Tampa Chorus won the Sweet Adeline competition in 1993 and last year placed 5th worldwide before more than 10,000 chorale lovers at the Key Arena in Houston. Later this year Toast of Tampa will compete in Hawaii. “We have a busy year of rehearsing for our international competition, we’ll be at the Straz Performing Arts Center in Tampa for our October show, then off to Hawaii in November,” Naman said. Toast of Tampa Director Tony DeRosa, who also serves as musical director for the Voices of Liberty and the Dapper Dans at Walt Disney World, is an internationally renowned coach of gold medal choruses. 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 with 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 are priced from the low $100s. Models are open daily for viewing.

Emerson International negotiates three leases that total almost 4,000 square feet of office space

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International closed on three new long-term lease agreements that total 3,619 square feet of office space in the CenterPointe Office Park in Altamonte Springs and Louisiana Office Park in Winter Park. Zac Starkey, commercial leasing associate at Emerson International, negotiated all three lease agreements. At the CenterPointe Office Park, New Foundations Christian Ministries leased 2,148 square feet of office space and McGwier Family Law leased 740 square feet. The Astra Group leased 1,030 square feet at Emerson’s Louisiana Office Park on Louisiana Ave. in Winter Park.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects complete design work on seven major projects totaling more than 200,000 square feet

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park recently completed the design of seven major commercial projects that total more than 200,000 square feet. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson, said the design projects include: • Remodeling of the Sports Authority facility at Lakeland Square Mall in Lakeland, 40,000 square feet; • Publix Supermarket in Port Orange with 45,000 square feet; • Expansion of AbbieJean Russell Care, senior living facility at Fort Pierce, 20,000 square feet; • Remodel of Big Y Grocery in Palmer, Mass., 25,000 square feet; • Bottom Dollar grocery store in Philadelphia, Pa., 18,000 square feet; • Two Fresh Markets with 18,000 square feet each one in Daphne, Ala. and the other in Pensacola.

Lennar to Host Grand Opening for Grand Hampton Luxury Town Homes March 2

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division will host a grand opening March 2 at its luxury town home community Grand Hampton, located on Grand Vista Lane off County Line Rd. in New Tampa. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lennar is building 42 luxury town homes at Grand Hampton in three and four bedroom designs that range in size from 1,930 square feet of living space to 2,466 square feet. Town homes at Grand Hampton, located in the “heart of New Tampa,” Metheny said, are priced from the low $200s and offer two-car garages. Grand Hampton is a gated, master-planned community with stately oaks throughout and features a clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, waterslide and hiking trails among its amenities. Visit www.LennarTampa.com.

ICI Homes Names Melissa Rigney New Home Closing Coordinator/ Warranty-Customer Service Rep

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- ICI Homes has appointed Melissa Rigney new home closing coordinator/ warranty and customer service representative in the Jacksonville office. Don Wilford, Northeast Florida division president for ICI Homes said Rigney served for five years as accounts payable coordinator at ICI Homes before relocating to Virginia in 2009. Most recently she was a business operations associate at Ace Private Risk Services in Virginia before returning to Jacksonville. Rigney earned her Associate of Arts Degree Patrick Henry Community College in Virginia and has more than 10 years of experience in financial accounts management, insurance and the real estate industry.

More Than 100 Realtors on Hand When ICI Homes, Plantation Bay Unveil Newly Remodeled Sales Center

Ormond Beach, Fla. --- More than 100 area Realtors attended the recent showcase reception at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach when community developer ICI Homes and officials from the golf course community unveiled Plantation Bay’s newly remodeled sales center. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes, said Realtors from as far away as Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando attended the event. “For this event we made use of social networking to reach out to Realtors and given the size, timing and impact of this unveiling, it ranks as one of the most successful events we have ever produced,” Messina said. Messina said Plantation Bay staff reached out to Realtors throughout the region with Facebook posts and invitations. Participants enjoyed foods and beverages as well as a tour through the elegant Plantation Bay sales center that boasts a new 46-foot display that tells the history of the Daytona community developer with a unique blend of maps and pictures and soon, a touch-screen video display. Realtor Kandi Schromm of RE/MAX Property Centre who responded to her Facebook invitation to join the reception, won a four-day, three-night getaway pamper package at Lighthouse Key resort in Orlando, complete with two tickets to Walt Disney World. Messina said participating Realtors also won additional gift cards and umbrellas, a popular accessory in the Ormond Beach area. ICI Homes spent more than a month extensively remodeling the 1,188 square foot sales center.

For residents of Del Webb Ponte Vedra, Community Service is More Than a Hobby — It’s an Obsession

Jacksonville, Fla. --- For residents of Del Webb Ponte Vedra, the active adult community located in Ponte Vedra FL southeast of Jacksonville, serving their community is more than a pastime. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales at Del Webb in North Florida, said residents at Del Webb Ponte Vedra compete with each other to see who can do the most good for the Northeast Florida community and for special interest groups that include returning war veterans, breast cancer survivors, victims of Hurricane Sandy and the more recent Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. “The Mah Jongg Club at Del Webb Ponte Vedra sold Willow Tree® Angels with personal messages to be mailed to the teachers, janitors and surviving faculty at Sandy Hook Elementary,” Strickler said. The Del Webb Ponte Vedra Dinner Club has been collecting aluminum tab tops to be sold to recyclers to benefit the Ronald McDonald House and they hold a barbecue fundraiser every summer to benefit various charitable organizations. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was chosen as the summer 2012 charity and for 2013 it will be Dreams Come True. The Women’s Club raised hundreds of dollars for breast cancer research and awareness through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure project and $750 for The Donna Foundation, a local group dedicated to caring for women living with breast cancer. The Women’s Club also donated $1,200 to the Hugs Foundation, which feeds children in St. John’s County Schools. The Del Webb Ponte Vedra Sewing Club — the Stitchers — collected a whole SUV full of blankets and warm winter jackets for victims of Hurricane Sandy. The Men’s Club has donated nearly $1,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project® in addition to hosting a pancake breakfast and pasta dinner for a dozen warriors and their families. “The Bridge Club collected several hundred pounds of dog food and blankets for the St. Johns County Animal Shelter. The Del Webb Ponte Vedra Women’s Tennis Club collects food for BEAM, a group focused on keeping families in their homes and helping them become self-sufficient. At Christmas time, the Homeowners Assn. collected four large boxes filled with toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation toy drive. Numerous other clubs and groups at Del Webb Ponte Vedra are also involved in community service. Giving back is a way of life for Del Webb Ponte Vedra residents. “The community at Del Webb Ponte Vedra is a very giving, very hard-working group of community activists, Strickler said. They are always coming up with ways to make a difference today,” he said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Industrial Leases totaling over 13,000 square feet in Sanford and Longwood

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new lease agreements totaling 13,150 square feet of industrial space in Sanford and Longwood. NAI Realvest associate Michael Heidrich, Jr., was the lead broker in the lease of 9,300 square feet at 390 Hickman Drive in Sanford along with Michael Heidrich Sr., principal at NAI Realvest. Heidrich Jr. and Sr. negotiated the transaction on behalf of the local tenant, Powerplay Motor Sports, LLC and the landlords, Charles and Christel Stephens of Deltona were represented by David Hammett of CRE Advisors LLC. In Longwood, Heidrich Jr. represented tenant Flawless Physiques, Inc., d/b/a CrossFit RSX in the lease of 3,850 square feet at 600 Bennett Drive. The landlord, Poyner Warehouse LLC of Altamonte Springs, was represented in the transaction by Bill Bywater of Bywater Company.

DiVosta Homes to host Model Home Showcase with live music and refreshments March 2 at Castellina at Wellington

Wellington, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes will host a Model Home Showcase with live music and refreshments on Saturday, March 2 at Castellina at Wellington, the gated luxury community located on Stribling Way off Hwy. 441/SR7 between Lake Worth Road and Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of DiVosta Homes, said admission to the event is free and the public is invited to enjoy live music and refreshments from 1 to 4 p.m. Mairn said DiVosta Homes’ Castellina Showcase will spotlight three professionally-decorated model homes and the new Castellina Amenity Center with a European Country theme that opened last summer. DiVosta Homes builds the single-story Jamison model home with four bedrooms and three full baths in 3,166 square feet of living space and three distinctive elevations with a particularly striking alteration: the “C” elevation with a Country Polermo stone exterior. The Jamison’s wide country kitchen serves a formal dining room, a separate breakfast nook, and an immense great room that opens onto a backyard lanai. A side entry two-car garage can be expanded to three cars. The Jamison model at Castellina is priced from $435,000. The Dartmouth model at Castellina, with three bedrooms and three full baths, features a counter-facing kitchen, dining room, great room and lanai that together total more than 1,200 square feet of family living area. The Dartmouth is priced from $399,000 with 2,535 square feet of living space and a three-car garage. The Ranier model at Castellina offers three bedrooms and two full baths in 2,428 square feet of living space and is priced from $356,000. The Castellina Amenity Center includes a resort-style swimming pool, a lap pool, a cabana and picnic pavilion, a spa and state-of-the-art fitness center, aerobics studio, coffee bar and catering kitchen, two tennis courts, two bocce ball courts and a community fire pit.

Ashton Woods Homes Acquires 23 Home Sites in Bradenton for new Single-Family Homes

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has acquired 23 home sites off Palma Sola Blvd. and Cortez Avenue in Bradenton for its newest community Palma Vista. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for the homebuilder, said Ashton Woods Homes is building three, four and five-bedroom homes with Key West inspired architecture at the community that will range in size from 2,400 square feet of living space up to 3,800 square feet. Construction of a model home at Palma Vista will get underway in late Spring. Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Sarasota, Raleigh and Tampa. Recently named the #1 Most Trusted Homebuilder in America in the Lifestory Research Most Trusted Builders in America Study SM, Ashton Woods is known throughout the industry for building homes with award-winning designs that inspire, and offering homebuyers a high level of personalization options. Ashton Woods is also the only builder to nationally utilize the Environments for Living Platinum Program, a program that certifies the energy efficient status of our homes. For more information, visit ashtonwoodshomes.com and search new homes for sale.

Lennar has New model Open, 50 home sites at Olympia Pointe at Lehigh Acres in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Lennar Homes recently completed a new model at its community of Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres off Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in southwest Florida, said Olympia Pointe features the homebuilder’s “Executive Home” collection of one and two-story floor plans that range from 1,667 square feet of living area to 3,231 square feet with prices ranging from $159,990 to $264,990. Lennar plans to build some 50 new Executive Homes at Olympia Pointe. Devereaux said the recently opened one-story Trevi model is a standout with its open concept floor plan, four bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. All Lennar Executive Homes at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres come with the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: extras such as granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile are all included in one Lennar Homes price. Visit www.lennar.com.

Strong Sales at Veranda Palms Vacation Home Resort prompts Park Square Homes to start new phase early

ORLANDO, Fla. – Stronger than expected sales of new homes at Veranda Palms Vacation Home Resort on U.S. 192 in Kissimmee have prompted Park Square Homes to start development of a second phase six months early. Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes in Orlando, said phase 2A at Veranda Palms will include 73 single family 50-foot home sites. Most of the new home sites will offer premium conservation area views. New vacation homes at Veranda Palms will feature tile roofs, tankless water heaters, gas-heated swimming pools and many other energy saving features, Rouhana said. New four, five and six bedroom single family homes priced from $247,900 at Veranda Palms range in size from 1,567 square feet of living space to 3,298 square feet. The developer recently started construction of a security gatehouse at the entrance to Veranda Palms off U.S. 17-92. Park Square Homes is currently active in seven communities in Central Florida. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

Ashton Woods Homes has New Town Home Community Opening south of Downtown Orlando, first homes ready in Feb

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has started construction of the first of 66 town homes at its newest community of Copley Square, located near Downtown Orlando off Delaney and Michigan Aves. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said the three story town homes range in size from 2,046 square feet of living space to 2,363 square feet. Copley Square features three and four bedroom town homes with two full bathrooms with two half baths, and three full with one half bathroom, and two-car garages. Prices start at $249,990. Construction of the first new town homes will be completed this month (February), Roche added. Copley Square amenities include community swimming pool and cabana.

Del Webb Stone Creek to host TV game show night with prizes, food and refreshments

OCALA, Fla. – Del Webb Stone Creek, the gated, active adult community located off S.W. 80th Avenue in Ocala, will host TV Game Night starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 in the community’s Reunion Center. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb’s North Florida Division, said the event is complimentary to the public. Guests are asked to register at the Del Webb Stone Creek sales and information center before Feb. 20. To register, call toll free 877-333-5932. Food and entertainment — with longtime radio DJ and game show host Ric Mitchell — will be provided. Contestants will be drawn from the audience to play Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy with realistic game show sets and real prizes. Del Webb Stone Creek is one of the largest Del Webb communities in the U.S. and features new single-family homes priced from the $120s, along with an 18-hole championship golf course and grill, an amenity center encompassing almost 50,000 square feet with fitness and event gathering areas with recreational, social and educational activities to match every lifestyle. Models are open daily for viewing. For more information, visit delwebb.com/stonecreek

DiVosta Homes Starts Construction of Two Model Homes at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes has started construction of two new model homes at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs located on Umiak Court off Bonita Beach Road S.E. east of I-75 in Bonita Springs. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for DiVosta Home in South Florida, said the two-bedroom Willow Bend model and the three-bedroom Cambridge will both open in late spring. The single-story Willow Bend, with 1,927 square feet of living space, offers an enormous open great room and dining room, a den and lanai off the owner’s suite, along with a two-car garage, priced from $253,990. The single-story Cambridge model, with three bedrooms and three baths in 2,384 square feet, features a spectacular open great room, kitchen and dining room that together encompass almost 600 square feet. Mairn said DiVosta Homes is also offering the Willow Bend and Cambridge floor plans at VeronaWalk in Naples. “The open concept really makes use of the tremendous space inside these two new model homes and they can be decorated to make them quite breathtaking,” Mairn said.

Lennar has new single-family model homes now underway at Belmont in Ruskin

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division has started construction of two model homes at its community of Belmont located off Highway 301, two miles south of Big Bend Road in Ruskin. Mark Metheny, president of the Central Florida Division said Lennar plans to build new three, four and five bedroom single-family homes on 40 and 50 foot homesites at Belmont, priced from the $160s. Metheny said all new Lennar built homes at Belmont come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and add-ons at one “everything’s included” price. For more information, visit www.Lennar.com or call 888-317-7489.

Chief Executive Officer of Epic Engineering Scores Big Hit on Professional Social Networking Site

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Prasad Chittaluru is well-known for his academic and professional achievements, and even better known for his role as chief executive officer of EPIC Engineering & Consulting Group (EPIC), the Orlando based information technology firm that recently earned a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research award from the National Science Foundation. As part of the research, EPIC is developing a location-based Infrastructure Intelligence System for small and medium water and wastewater utilities using the Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery model---one of the most promising new trends in efficient infrastructure systems management. Now Chittaluru has another accolade: he’s a world class generator of social networking “hits.” He hasn’t posted a million-views kitty video on YouTube, but for Chittaluru, his latest citation is way more relevant: Chittaluru’s professional profile at the 200 million-member LinkedIn® social network ranks among the top five percent of profiles viewed in 2012. He’s not planning to visit the Oprah show anytime soon, but in the staid world of Infrastructure Intelligence Systems and Software as a Service models, Chittaluru definitely ranks as an emerging super star. “Success in my field is based solely on innovative solutions and the results that generate for our clients,” Chittaluru said. “However, a certain amount of notoriety means it is more likely we might be asked to offer potential solutions, and that is big news for us,” he said. EPIC is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and Kauffman FastTrac® to Train U.S. Military Veterans

ORLANDO, Fla., --- The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and Kauffman FastTrac announced recently that they are offering 30 hours of training to U.S. military veterans interested in starting their own companies. “In 2012, we proudly trained more than 300 men and women who selflessly served our country. It is our honor to train an additional 500 plus veterans in 2013 and help them prepare for the next steps in their careers,” said Alana Muller, president of Kauffman FastTrac. The FastTrac curriculum is tailored specifically for veterans seeking to start a new business or expand an existing company. The classroom-based course offered by the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and additional FastTrac® NewVenture™ instruction helps aspiring entrepreneurs determine the viability of their business concepts and enables them to engineer a plan to successfully launch their companies. The course, a value of up to $700.00 per person, will be offered at a discount to veterans. Courses will be scheduled throughout the year. Interested veterans can find more information by contacting Peggy Allen at 407-882-0888 or by email at peggy.allen@ucf.edu.

Only Three home sites remain at Ashton Woods Homes community of Palm Cove in Pasco County

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has only three remaining home sites at Palm Cove located on located in Pasco County off Vandine Road and S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. Ashton Woods builds three, four and five bedroom homes at Palm Cove that range in size from 1,634 square feet of living space to 2,639 square feet priced from $159,990, according to Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing. Roche said Ashton Woods Homes offers six distinctive floor plans in one and two-story designs at Palm Cove. Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Sarasota, Raleigh and Tampa. Recently named the #1 Most Trusted Homebuilder in America in the Lifestory Research Most Trusted Builders in America Study SM, Ashton Woods is known throughout the industry for building homes with award-winning designs that inspire, and offering homebuyers a high level of personalization options. Ashton Woods is also the only builder to nationally utilize the Environments for Living Platinum Program, a program that certifies the energy efficient status of our homes. For more information, visit ashtonwoodshomes.com and search new homes for sale.

NAI Realvest, led by its Office Leasing Team Earns Choice Assignment: Lease 10,000 square foot Gateway Plaza Offices in Winter Park

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Office Leasing Team at NAI Realvest led by Tom. R. Kelley II, Mary Frances West CCIM and Chris Adams were recently appointed exclusive leasing representatives for 10,000 square feet of Class A office space in the 60,000 square foot Gateway Plaza office building at 1201 S. Orlando Ave. (U.S. 17-92) and Orange Ave. in Winter Park. Kelley, the NAI Realvest principal who heads the office leasing team, said the marquis listing includes 7,000 contiguous square feet on the second floor of Gateway Plaza. “Gateway Plaza is well located and so well appointed it offers a perfect corporate headquarters for a financial, legal or professional services firm,” Kelley said. On the east side of Orlando, Kelley and Associate Adams were also recently picked to lease 33,000 square feet of Class A single-story office space at the Lake Underhill Business Center at 11555 Lake Underhill Rd. in Orlando

The Grille at Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita to host daily happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. with daily cocktails

POINCIANA, Fla. – The Grille at Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Poinciana is offering a special daily happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. with daily cocktails. Arto Rahmani, general manager of Solivita Club Services, and vice president of Food and Beverage Operations with Celebration Golf Management, said the new daily happy hour rewards Stonegate Golf Club members and welcomes new guests to the Oaks Course and the Cypress Course at Stonegate. Rahmani said Stonegate has even more in store for Stonegate members: a birthday bash with free luncheon for club members and their guests on the special day. And non-members can take part too, Rahmani said. “Our new menu features daily cocktails along with tasty new appetizers,” Rahmani added.

UCF Business Incubation Program Hires New Program Assistant for Orlando Site

ORLANDO, Fla. – Elizabeth “Lisa” Mills recently joined the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program staff at the Orlando site as a Program Assistant. A native of Colorado, Mills previously was an Assessment Specialist at Valencia Community College in Winter Park, and an Admissions and Financial Aid Representative at Aims Community College in Colorado. Prior to her college and university positions, she worked at a Colorado hospital in the non-medical areas of Occupational Health, Maternity and Surgery. An Orlando resident since 2009, Mills has a Florida Real Estate License, a Bachelor’s Degree from Regis University in Denver, and studied Human Resource Management and Business Administration at a Jesuit University in Denver. In her new position, Mills works closely with UCF Business Incubation Program Site Manager Melissa Wasserman, as well as client companies, vendors and service providers. “I am thrilled to be here and to help from behind the scenes. I am excited to watch clients grow and then see the positive impact on Florida with the creation of new jobs. It is a great honor to be a part of the UCF Business Incubation Program,” Mills said.

Omega3 Innovations Introduces a Little Taste of “Heaven,” Just in Time for Valentine’s Day

VENICE, FL , --- The creators of the heart-healthy “Omega Cookie” and “Omega Passion” chocolates have come up with another tasty snack – the patented “Omega Heaven” – just in time to give or receive for Valentine’s Day. After much success with their heart-healthy, fish oil- and oat -based Omega Cookie, Doctors Bo Martinsen and Anne-Marie Chalmers of Omega3 Innovations have unveiled the Omega Heaven. The Venice-based biotech company is launching this newest product just one year after releasing the Omega Passion, a chocolate truffle rich in omega-3 fish oil. The Omega Heaven, according to Dr. Martinsen, is the best of both worlds: a flavorful oat fiber Omega Cookie covered with the decadent dark chocolate of an Omega Passion. “With 245 calories and only 13 grams of sugar, Omega Heaven is perfect as a satisfying breakfast, lunch or a treat anytime,” Martinsen said. “And, what’s even more exciting is that research suggests that eating oat fiber and omega-3 fish oil activates cells to burn more fat. In addition, those same ingredients help create satiation, thus reducing snack cravings and helping manage weight. With all-natural ingredients like non-alkalized cacao, orange juice, egg whites, applesauce, honey, banana puree, cinnamon, coconut flavor, olive oil and orange peel fiber, one might expect the cookies to be tasty. But, ingredients like purified, full-spectrum fish oil, gluten-free oats, calcium, and vitamin D3 also make them healthy. That combination of healthy and delicious ingredients is exactly Omega3 Innovations' mission. "It doesn't help to provide good nutrition if people aren't willing to eat it," says Chalmers. "With Omega Heaven, we've succeeded in creating a taste that has widespread appeal. Plus, we're providing fish oil and fiber in a small, convenient meal." The Omega Heaven’s potent ingredients make it a great adjunct to corporate wellness programs, says Martinsen. He notes that the company plans to market Omega Heaven sales specifically towards businesses looking to improve workplace nutrition. Still, Chalmers says that the pleasures of eating an Omega Heaven aren’t limited to business. “Why not give your Valentine a gift that is not only from the heart, but also the brain” Chalmers asks. The Omega Heaven is currently available for purchase at wholesale pricing, and can be ordered by phone. To learn more about any of Omega3 Innovations’ products, call 866-414-0188 or visit omega3innovations.com.

Avex Homes Reports Sales of 15 New Homes through Grand Opening of Cypress Village at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel, Fla. --- Avex Homes reports it sold 15 new homes at Cypress Village at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel before the close of the new community’s grand opening the first weekend of February. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing for Avex Homes, said Cypress Village at Avalon Park West, 3.5 miles east of I-75 on State Road 54, will soon have all 15 new homes under construction and have already had the first resident move in. “The response from home buyers has been very encouraging,” Hodson said. Pent-up demand and more widespread confidence that the economy is improving are driving demand for new homes at Cypress Village at Avalon Park West. Avex Homes recently unveiled two new single family model homes priced from the $160s at Cypress Village. 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. 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.

PulteGroup Names Robin Willis in Naples Sales Leader in January for South Florida Division

Naples, Fla. --- PulteGroup has named Robin Willis, a new home sales consultant at The Quarry in Naples, January top sales consultant for the South Florida division of PulteGroup, which includes more than 20 communities by Pulte Homes, Centex, DiVosta Homes and Del Webb. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte Group, said Willis is a native of Dundonald in Northern Ireland who moved to South Florida 10 years ago and joined Pulte Homes nine years ago. Prior to joining Pulte, Willis worked for Coldwell Banker specializing in general real estate. An accomplished musician, Willis attended the Royal College of Music in London where he studied Vioal-Orchestral Performance. In his spare time, he tunes and rebuilds pianos, Mairn said. Willis sold more homes than any other PulteGroup sales consultant and exceeded his own sales goal in January at The Quarry, Pulte’s gated golf course community off Immokalee Road in Naples. “Robin Willis is a talented individual and we look forward to his continued success,” Mairn said.

Del Webb Naples to Host Open House Feb. 23 to Showcase Model Home Park, Three New Floor Plans, New Oasis Club

NAPLES, Fla. --- Del Webb Naples, the iconic active adult community located on Anthem Parkway in Ave Maria will host an open house celebration Saturday, Feb. 23 to showcase seven professionally-decorated homes in its Model Park, its new Oasis Club amenity center and to unveil three new floor plans. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for Del Webb in south Florida, said admission to the event is free and the public is invited to enjoy live music, food and refreshments from 1 to 4 p.m. Del Webb builds two and three-bedroom single-family homes at Del Webb Naples that range in size from 1,157 square feet of living space to 2,488 square feet priced from $157,490. The Del Webb Naples Oasis Club boasts a resort-style swimming pool, dedicated lap pool, a spa, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, pickleball courts, an amphitheatre, state-of-the-art fitness center, a café, library, and a catering kitchen, along with an aerobics room, sauna and steam rooms, fire pit, and activity and craft rooms. Visit www.delwebb.com

Lennar’s Central Florida Division Will Open New Community Brandon Pointe in March with three new product lines

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar will open its newest community of Brandon Pointe in March offering three new product lines. Two new models are now under construction. Mark Metheny, president of the Central Florida Division of Lennar Homes, said the new homes at Brandon Pointe will range from town homes starting at 1,300 square feet, single-family homes from 1,800 square feet of living area to 3,000 square feet with two and three car garages. All Lennar homes at Brandon Pointe feature the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and add-ons at one “everything’s included” price, Metheny said. Brandon Pointe is located on Providence Road off Causeway Boulevard just five miles from Westfield Brandon Shopping Mall. The community features a lake, a private park and a community swimming pool. Visit www.LennarTampa.com.

Royal Oak Homes selling in Barrington Estates in Clermont, prices from the $150s

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes is now selling three, four and five-bedroom single-family homes at Barrington Estates located south of the intersection of Log House Road and CR. 561 in Clermont. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, said the homebuilder has 112 homesites available at the community that’s adjacent to Pine Ridge Elementary. Homes by Royal Oak at Barrington Estates are priced from the $150s and range in size from 1,676 square feet of living area to 3,300 square feet. Currently, Royal Oak Homes has one model available for touring at Barrington Estates – the Monica with four bedrooms and two baths in 1,927 square feet of living space priced from $154,999.

Celebration Golf Management Names Chris Brown Director of Golf, Sam Phillips Head Golf Professional at Eagle Creek Golf Club

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Management, which operates nine Central Florida golf clubs and two more in South Carolina and Tennessee, recently appointed a new director of golf and a new head professional at Eagle Creek Golf Club in southeast Orlando. Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, said he promoted Chris Brown to director of golf at Eagle Creek. Garrote also promoted Sam Phillips to head golf professional at the club. Garrote said Brown has served as lead instructor at Eagle Creek Golf Club since April, 2011. In September, 2011 Brown was promoted to golf operations manager and director of instruction at Eagle Creek. Brown will oversee day-to-day operations of the Eagle Creek golf staff. Phillips, who transferred to Eagle Creek Golf Club in March of 2011 from Celebration Golf Club, will organize and manage golf events at Eagle Creek, teach golf and direct Eagle Creek’s merchandising program. Garrote said Phillips will assist Brown and the Eagle Creek Golf staff in day-to-day operations.

NAI Realvest negotiates new Lease Agreement for 13,360 Square Feet of Industrial Space in Oviedo

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 13,360 square feet in the industrial facility located at 521 S. Econ Circle in Oviedo. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the landlord Oviedo-based M&O LP. The new tenant, BC Racing North America, Inc. based in Casselberry is expanding and moving from a smaller building in Longwood. Chuck McNulty of McNulty Group represented BC Racing, a manufacturer and supplier of springs, shock absorbers and struts for motor vehicles.

M/I Homes Names Derek K. Henry Land Development Manager in the Orlando Region

ORLANDO, Fla. – M/I Homes, a major home builder in the Orlando region, has named Derek K. Henry land development manager. David Byrnes, president of M/I Homes in Florida, said Henry has more than 20 years of experience in land development. Henry has held executive positions with Centex Homes in the Tampa area, KAM Services in Groveland, Kearney Development in Tampa and other companies that focus on land development, Byrnes said.

Ryland Homes to Showcase New Tuscany Community in Waxhaw with Catered Lunch & Dessert Bar, Carriage Rides, Kids’ Bounce House

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- Ryland Homes will showcase two recently completed model homes on Saturday, Feb. 16 at Tuscany, a community of new single-family luxury homes located in Waxhaw in Union County 20 miles south of Charlotte. Krista Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in Charlotte, said admission to the grand opening at Tuscany is free and the public is invited. Long said WKQC-FM Radio will broadcast live from the event that will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature lunch catered by Dean and Deluca, a dessert bar, carriage rides throughout Tuscany, tours of both professionally-decorated model homes, a bounce house for the kids and prizes for everyone who attends. “We think home buyers will fall in love with the oversized home sites at Tuscany and Ryland’s Signature and Discovery Collections of luxury homes,” Long said. At Ryland’s Tuscany grand opening visitors will get an inside look at the new five-bedroom Marlette model home, which offers four baths in 3,487 square feet of living space with a breakfast nook and a gourmet kitchen that opens onto a huge family room, a formal living room, formal dining room and master suite downstairs, an upstairs game room and two-car side load garage. The Marlette model is available in five distinctive elevations with an optional sunroom or screened porch, Long said. The Tryon model at Tuscany offers four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 3,050 square feet of living area with a three-car garage. Ryland Homes plans to build 69 luxury homes at Tuscany, which is less than three miles from Village Commons and the Shops at Wesley Chapel. Amenities at Tuscany include a community clubhouse, swimming pool, kiddy pool, outdoor recreation area and walking trails. New three, four, five and six bedroom homes at Tuscany range in size from 2,300 square feet of living space to more than 3,600 square feet with two, three, four and five baths. New homes at Tuscany are priced from the mid-$200s.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Helping the Handicap

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed the design of three residential handicap ramps for the Center for Independent Living of Central Florida (CIL). Employees at Cuhaci & Peterson plan to follow up on their design efforts by attending the build for one of the ramps on Feb. 23. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC said this is the fourth time the firm has donated design work to the Center for Independent Living.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge Hosts More Than 8,000 Participants at Annual PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day

Winter Garden, Fla. --- Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden hosted more than 8,000 visitors during its annual PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day last weekend. Tano Malentin, general manager at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, said this year’s Demo Day crowd was bigger than ever, and so were the celebrities on hand for the event, including Ken Griffey Jr., Nick Faldo, Michael Breed, Hank Haney, Lexi Thompson, Jesper Parnevik, and Alonzo Mourning, to name a few. “Demo Day is a chance for PGA Professionals, Tour Pros, golf club manufacturers, golf instructors and golf industry professionals from around the world to touch and test the very latest golfing and golf course equipment, accessories and technology on the golf course. It’s different from a showroom or a trade show in that the grass is green and the course is one of the best in the U.S.,” Malentin said. Vendors offered an enormous array of equipment and accessories. The PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day is Orange County National’s biggest annual event. The same holds true for many of the golfing professionals and enthusiasts who attend. “Most of these people make their living in the golf industry, so the PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day becomes a multi-million dollar marketplace of ideas and technologies,” said Michael J. Neumann, retail and marketing manager for Orange County National.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appoints Lori Humbarger Sales Associate at the firm’s Heathrow/Lake Mary World Marketing Center

Lake Mary, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed veteran Realtor Lori Humbarger an International Luxury Home Specialist in the firm’s Heathrow/Lake Mary World Marketing Center off Lake Mary Blvd. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Humbarger launched her real estate career 29 years ago in northern Virginia. Humbarger graduated from the Real Estate Institute in 1989 and earned her Florida Real Estate Broker License in 2001. The daughter of a U.S. Air Force officer, Humbarger lived in Madrid for 14 years. She speaks Spanish fluently and frequently serves as interpreter. Humbarger is a member of the Orlando Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors. “Lori’s strong background in real estate and world travel will be a great asset to our team, especially with international buyers and sellers,” Soderstrom said.

Mark your calendar for March 2, when Park Square Homes will showcase its new town home community in Ocoee

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes, one of the most active builders in Central Florida, will host a grand opening for its newest town home community at Prairie Lake Reserve, located off A. D. Mims Road and Clarke Road in Ocoee. Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator at Park Square Homes said the event will kick off at 11 a.m. and run to 3 p.m., with special refreshments and entertainment as well as tours of their new 1,800 square foot three-bedroom model town home. Town homes at Prairie Lake Reserve will range from 1,600 square feet of living space to 1,800 square feet with prices starting from the $130s, Rouhana explained. A three bedroom model will be on display for participants to see the exceptional styling and layout of the model which comes with two-and-one-half baths and a two car garage. A gated community, Prairie Lake Reserve features a community swimming pool, clubhouse and children’s playground. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

NAI Realvest negotiates new expansion lease of 17,688 square feet at Semoran CommerCenter for Magellan Behavioral Health

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 17,688 square feet of office/warehouse space in Suites 7 through 9 in Building A of Semoran CommerCenter, 6870 Shadowridge Drive in southeast Orlando. Robert Blackwell SIOR, principal at the firm, brokered the transaction representing the landlord, Semoran Commerce Center LLC based in Timonium, Md. The tenant, Magellan Behavioral Health Inc. already occupied Suites 10 and 11 in Building A at the industrial center. With its expansion, the Avon, Connecticut based firm now occupies a total of 27,867 square feet at Semoran CommerCenter. The tenant was represented by Jamie Barati of Colliers International and Jamie Smith of Cassidy Turley in Baltimore, Maryland. Semoran CommerCenter is being developed by Semoran CommerCenter LLC a joint venture between Bavar Properties Group and Realvest Development with 190,000 square feet of flex-warehouse space on an 18-acre site off SR 436 near Orlando International Airport.

Celebration Golf Management Appoints Vernon Hogan Executive Chef at RedTail Golf Club in Sorrento

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Management, which operates nine Central Florida golf clubs and two more in South Carolina and Tennessee, recently appointed Vernon Hogan Executive Chef at RedTail Golf Club, located on S.R. 44 in Sorrento. Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, said Hogan joined Celebration Golf Management at Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe in Windermere. Hogan’s career includes positions at Alaqua Country Club in Longwood, Errol Estate Golf & Country Club and Highland Manor in Apopka, where he served as executive sous chef.

Dave Brewer, Inc. has four multi million dollar homes underway in Lake and Seminole Counties, three more in permitting

SANFORD, Fla. --- Dave Brewer, Inc. one of Central Florida’s most active builders of luxury custom homes valued at $1 million or more, recently started construction of four new multi-million dollar luxury homes in Mount Dora, Heathrow Woods and on Lake Harris in Lake County. Matt Trask, vice president of Dave Brewer, Inc., said the four luxury homes will total more than 20,000 square feet of living space and valued at over $13 million total. Trask said Dave Brewer, Inc. is currently permitting three more luxury home construction projects at Alaqua Lakes in Seminole County and in Volusia County’s Spruce Creek Fly-In that will total more than 13,000 square feet. “The luxury custom home market has weathered the recession and we’re seeing big signs it is coming back with pent up demand,” Trask said. “Luxury home buyers who put off their decision as the economy recovered are now making plans to start on their dream home and we foresee steady growth throughout the coming year, Trask said.

Henin Homes Promotes Dave Creel to Service, Warranty Director

DeBary, Fla. --- Henin Homes, a division of the Henin Group of Winter Park, has promoted Dave Creel to service and warranty director at Henin Homes. Matt Boltz, vice president of Henin Homes, Inc. based in DeBary at the luxury community of Riviera Bella, said Creek has more than 20 years of experience in construction and has been with Henin Homes for three years.

Del Webb Ponte Vedra Now Offering New Options on 16 Floor Plan Designs, Priced From the $180s

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. – Del Webb Ponte Vedra recently unveiled 16 new floor plan designs with many new innovative options to offer at the active adult community located at 124 Del Webb Parkway in Ponte Vedra. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in North Florida, said the one and two-story floor plans range from 1,157 square feet of living area to 2,885 square feet, priced from the $180s to the low $300s. New optional features include an Environments For Living (EFL) energy package, new bathroom configurations, tray ceilings, kitchen islands, golf cart garage; pull-down stairs to attic storage; sunrooms and lanais and eight-foot interior doors. Strickler said Del Webb’s professional design consultant will be on hand to help guide new homebuyers through the process of selecting a floor plan, design options and décor. Del Webb Ponte Vedra, with its striking 37,800 square foot Anastasia Clubhouse, Central Park Resident Garden, six miles of nature trails, tennis, pickle ball and bocce ball courts, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools, offers luxury single family homes priced from the $180s.

Lennar Unveils stylish new Coach Homes in newest phase of Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. – Lennar Homes has started selling its stylish new Coach Homes in Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek, the award-winning, private master-planned residential community located just off SR 41 south of Collier Boulevard between Naples and Marco Island in Naples. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales at Lennar Homes in the Southwest Florida region, said the three-bedroom, two-bath Coach Homes in the new phase at Fiddler’s Creek range in size from 1,883 square feet of living space to 2,099 square feet. Lennar’s Coach Home collection is priced from the high $200s to the low $300s. All of Lennar’s Coach Homes in Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek come with the homebuilder’s ‘Everything’s Included’ pledge: extras such as granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile are all included in the Lennar home price. Fiddler’s Creek features a private 54,000 square foot square foot Club & Spa, fitness center, resort-style pools, tot lot, tennis, casual and elegant restaurants and a very active social calendar for the entire family. Devereaux said a model Coach Home is underway in Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek and will be completed and open for viewing in late spring.

ROYAL OAK HOMES PROMOTES COLBY FRANKS TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently promoted Colby Franks to executive vice president. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said Franks is a graduate of the University of Florida and has more than 18 years of experience in the homebuilding industry. He joined Royal Oak Homes in December 2010 as the vice president of construction. 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.

ICI Homes Hires Two More Online New Home Specialists to Respond to Flurry of Queries about Florida Luxury Communities

Daytona Beach, Fla. --- ICI Homes has appointed Faith Frances Russo and Richard A. “Rich” Elton as online new home specialists at ICI Homes’ corporate headquarters on Beville Road in Daytona Beach. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said the new online new home specialists are part of a major expansion of ICI Homers’ online marketing program. “As many as one-third of all potential home buyers make their first contact with ICI Homes online,” Messina said. “We have significantly expanded our online marketing resources and we’re focusing more on social networks because that’s how so many of our home buyers gain so much of their information,” she explained. Russo, who earned her B.A. Degree in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, formerly served as a client relations specialist at the CEU Institute in Lake Mary. Elton, who earned his B.A. Degree in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, is a native of Ormond Beach who formerly served as a customer relations specialist at the Premier Care Baths regional call center in South Daytona.

New Husband and Wife Team at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Dr. Phillips Marketing Center Earn Top Honors

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s International Luxury Home Specialist team of Donna and Glenn Cox in the firm’s World Marketing Center at Dr. Phillips in southwest Orlando earned top honors their first quarter on the job. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Donna and Glenn Cox earned honors as outstanding sales agents for Dr. Phillips office during November. The couple boasts combined real estate experience of more than 47 years. “Donna and Glenn Cox are longtime Central Florida residents with an infectious enthusiasm for their work,” Soderstrom said. “They have already proved to be outstanding associates and we are delighted they joined our growing family,” Soderstrom said. Donna and Glenn Cox earned their CRB designation as certified relocation brokers from the Florida Board of Realtors. The former Prudential Realty associates are members of the Million Dollar Club.

Del Webb Stone Creek resident won’t let degenerative eye disease slow her exercise regimen

OCALA, Fla. --- Edith Strub, a six year resident of Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala, looks out every day at the rolling hills, tree-lined streets, pleasant homes and smiling neighbors knowing that one day she’ll likely give it all up. Strub suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa, an incurable degenerative eye disease that could eventually result in her blindness. But Strub won’t let that stop her from her daily exercise regiment. She is determined to improve her fitness everyday. “Edith is an inspiration to me,” says Judy Helfin, fitness director at the Elan Spa at Del Webb Stone Creek. When Strub moved to Del Webb Stone Creek six years ago, one of her first stops was the fitness center. “She began exercising from the start,” Helfin said, “And she has been devoted to it ever since.” When Del Webb Stone Creek opened its state-of-the-art Elan Spa five years ago, Strub was one of the first visitors, and she has been a regular since that time. “Edith’s eye disease causes progressive loss of vision, and eventually it could affect her central vision,” Helfin explained. Diagnosed in 1974, Strub was still driving when she moved to Del Webb Stone Creek, but she has since been forced to give up that pleasure. Over the past several months she has noticed more progressive changes. But she won’t accept sympathy from anyone. “When I first met Edith a few months ago, I noticed she doesn’t want any special treatment,” Helfin observed, “She just wants to fit in, work out and feel good,” she said. “Fitness training is important to me to keep up my independence,” Strub explained. “Exercise helps me physically and mentally. I feel better, I think more clearly, and enjoy the rest of the day even more,” she said. Strub is something of a connoisseur of fitness clubs, and she prefers Elan Spa at Del Webb Stone Creek over all the others she has visited in Florida. “All the instructors and staff have been very accommodating for my special needs. They make me feel like I fit in,” Strub said. 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 with 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. Models are open daily for viewing.

Royal Oak Homes has one model underway at Avalon Reserve in Winter Garden, prices start from the $260s

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes has a new model home under construction and presales are underway at the community of Avalon Reserve located off Avalon and Marsh Roads in Winter Garden. Matt Orosz, co-president at Royal Oak Homes, said the homebuilder is offering four and five bedroom at Avalon Reserve that range from 2,500 square feet of living space to 4,700 square feet with prices starting from the $260s to the mid-$300s. Royal Oak Homes has 66 oversized home sites available at Avalon Reserve. Orosz said Royal Oak’s largest model at Avalon Reserve is now under construction – the five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath Parker with 4,731 square feet of living space – and it will be ready for viewing in late spring. Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, is a third generation family home builder whose track record includes more than 14,000 new homes in Central Florida over the past 30 years.

DiVosta Homes to Host Amenity Center Groundbreaking and Model Open House Celebration Feb. 16 at Windsor Park at Abacoa in Jupiter

Jupiter, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes will host an Amenity Center Groundbreaking and Model Open House Celebration on Saturday, Feb.16 at Windsor Park at Abacoa, located on Indian Creek Parkway between I-95 and Military Trail in Jupiter. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for DiVosta’s South Florida Division, said admission to the event is free and the public is invited to enjoy live music, food and refreshments from 1 to 4 p.m. DiVosta plans to showcase four professionally decorated models homes – one town home and three one- and two-story single-family homes – during the weekend event. The new amenities center at Windsor Park at Abacoa has started construction and will open this summer, measuring more than 8,300 square feet, with a huge community room, state-of-the-art fitness center and a catering kitchen, a magnificent resort-style swimming pool, an event lawn, fire pit and barbeque grill with outdoor seating. DiVosta Homes builds luxury town homes and three, four and five-bedroom luxury single-family homes at Windsor Park at Abacoa in 16 distinctive designs that range in size from 1,499 square feet to 3,768 square feet priced from under $200,000 to more than $600,000.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Class A Office Lease to Investment Securities firm at Primera Court I in Lake Mary

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,380 square feet of Class A office space at Suite 110 Primera Court I, 725 Primera Blvd. in Lake Mary. Mary Frances West, CCIM senior broker associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the landlord RREF Interchange-FL, Primera I, LLC, based in Daytona Beach. The new tenant Fairway Financial LLC, a private investment securities firm, is relocating from Altamonte Springs to the Lake Mary submarket. Fairway Financial was represented by Andrei Savitski of Coughlin Commercial.

Park Square Homes has only 15 single family homes remaining at Waters Edge at Lake Nona

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Better get an early start! Park Square Homes has only 15 single family home sites remaining at Waters Edge at Lake Nona, the gated, master planned community located off Narcoossee Road in Southeast Orlando. Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator, said Park Square Homes is building single family homes at the community that range from 2,400 square feet of living space to 3,800 square feet, priced from $284,900. Park Square Homes has four furnished models open daily for tours at the community.

ICI Homes Starts Construction of Five-Bedroom Luxury Model Home at Tidewater in Northeast Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Fla. --- ICI Homes has started construction of the five-bedroom Manchester model home at Tidewater located on Clapboard Creek Drive off Cedar Point Road along the I-95 and I-295 beltway in northeast Jacksonville. Don Wilford, Northeast Florida division president at ICI Homes, said the two-story Manchester model offers three-and-a-half baths in its 3,277 square feet of luxury living space, along with an upstairs game room, loft and four additional bedrooms, a downstairs master suite, a formal dining room and a gourmet kitchen and breakfast nook that opens onto an enormous family gathering room with optional fireplace. With its two-car garage, the Manchester is base-priced from $299,900, Wilford said. The model will be completed and ready for touring by the end of February. ICI Homes has 20 distinctive customizable floor plans available at Tidewater and plans to build 66 new homes there priced from the $200s. Tidewater’s amenities include a community swimming pool, fitness center and children’s playground.

TOP SALES AGENT NAMED

Roger Van Auker has been named top sales associate for 2012 at Henin Homes at Riviera Bella in DeBary. Van Auker, entering his 10th year at Riviera Bella, sold homes during the year totaling $7.8 million. Riviera Bella is the luxury community overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary.

Centex to Host Open House Feb. 9 to Showcase New Model Home at Cypress Falls at The Woodlands in North Port

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Centex will host an open house Saturday, Feb. 9 to showcase its new three-bedroom Vernon Hill II model home at Cypress Falls at the Woodlands, the active adult community located on Arugula Drive in North Port off Panacea and Toledo Blade Blvds. just south of I-75. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the homebuilder, said admission to the event is free and the public is invited to enjoy live music, food and refreshments from 1 to 4 p.m. Centex representatives will be on hand to guide tours of the professionally-decorated single-story Vernon Hill II model home at Cypress Falls at the Woodlands, a three-bedroom, two-bath home priced from $179,990 with 1,911 square feet of living space and a two-car garage. “The Vernon Hill model is available in three distinctive elevations,” Mairn said. The Vernon II features a large open island kitchen adjoining an enormous open great room and dining room, plus a den and lanai. Centex Homes offers two and three-bedroom floor plans at Cypress Falls at the Woodlands that range in size from 1,641 square feet to 1,911 square feet priced from $162,990. Cypress Falls at the Woodlands features a community clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center, a ballroom and meeting rooms, a heated resort-style swimming pool, a resistance pool, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, and a private putting green.

Pulte Homes To Host Open House Feb. 9 To Showcase Two New Model Homes at The Plantation in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Pulte Homes will host an open house with live music and refreshments Saturday, Feb. 9 to showcase two new professionally decorated model homes at The Plantation, a gated luxury golf course community located on New Market Street in Fort Myers off Treeline Avenue north of Daniels Parkway. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte Group, said the kickoff festivities are scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the public is invited. Pulte will be showcasing three single-family model homes and two model carriage homes at The Plantation, Mairn said. Two new model homes at The Plantation will get the most attention, he added. The single-story Dartmouth II model offers three distinctive elevations with three bedrooms and three baths in 2,547 square feet of living space priced from $360,990 with an open island kitchen that adjoins an enormous family gathering room, a den and a garage that accommodates two full-sized vehicles and a golf cart. The single-story Jamison II model, priced from $410,990, offers three distinctive elevations with three bedrooms and two baths in 3,110 square feet and features an open island kitchen with breakfast nook, an enormous family gathering room, a formal dining room, a den, a flex room that can be converted into an optional fourth bedroom with bath, and a two-car garage. Pulte Homes builds two, three and four-bedroom single-family homes and carriage homes at The Plantation that range in size from 1,641 square feet of living space to 3,110 square feet priced from under $200,000 to more than $400,000. The Plantation features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Hurdzan-Fry, the Great House golf clubhouse with its formal restaurant and bar, resort-style swimming pool with lap lanes, a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, tennis courts, massage rooms, TV and Internet Lounge and library.