ICI Homes to showcase four of area’s finest luxury homes during Parade of Homes April 27-May 5

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- ICI Homes plans to showcase four of the region’s most luxurious homes during the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s annual Spring Parade of Homes April 27 through May 5. Don Wilford, northeast Florida division president for ICI Homes, said the Parade of Homes is a chance to show off its carefully manicured neighborhoods and elegantly designed luxury homes to more than 5,000 visitors in just 10 days. “The Parade is always very popular and we’re preparing to host thousands of visitors,” Wilford said. At St. Johns Forest in northwest St. Johns County, ICI’s customizable Egret III Parade home offers four bedrooms and three baths in 2,946 square feet of living space with a three-car garage. The eFACTOR Energy-Wise Egret III is priced in the $500,000 range. The two-story, Scottish-inspired Nottingham Parade home at Highland Glen, located in the heart of Jacksonville off Beach Blvd. three miles east of I-295, is a four-bedroom, three-and-one-half bath luxury home and enough---3,888 square feet---space for a large kitchen, nook and covered porch with a summer kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, a two-story family room with a dual-mantled fireplace and coffered ceilings, and a second-floor balcony overlook. The Plantation II Parade home at Magnolia Preserve at Julington Creek ranks as one of ICI Homes’ most elegant designs, with four bedrooms and three-and-one-half baths in 3,160 square feet of space plus a three-car garage. The elegant formal dining room, chef’s kitchen, enormous lanai, grand gathering room and luxurious owner’s suite establish the Plantation II at Magnolia Preserve as one of the most desirable luxury homes in the region. Perhaps ICI’s crowning achievement in the 2013 Parade of Homes is the Preakness V Parade home at Amelia National Golf & Country Club. With four bedrooms and three baths in 2,752 square feet of space and a three-car garage, the Preakness V Parade home is the model of ‘smaller, smarter, sustainable’ design and engineering techniques ICI Homes has invested in all its eFACTOR Energy-Wise homes for the past four years. Such elegant design features as a dramatically offset courtyard entry, a huge owner’s suite and bath with dual facilities, a massive glass-walled family room and fireplace, a formal dining room with a multi-tiered ceiling, island kitchen and covered lanai will likely impress Parade judges, Wilford said “The Parade of Homes is the chance to show off your most creative and inspired ideas before an audience of very discerning home buyers and a distinguished panel of expert judges,” he said.

Rained-Out Silent Auction for Cancer Patient Rescheduled for May 4

ORMOND BEACH – Not even inclement weather could stop an outpouring of support for a fellow biker on Saturday 4/20 as hundreds turned out to help Sam Leonard, a motorcycle enthusiast who was diagnosed with lung cancer after she crashed her bike and received the revealing medical diagnosis. While the rainy weather may have postponed the silent auction portion of the event until next month, it didn’t dampen the spirit of those participating in the poker ride from Bunnell to Ormond Beach, according to David L. Sweat, whose law firm helped sponsor the fundraiser. “This is an example of how our community steps up to help others when they are in need,” said Sweat, a partner in the Port Orange-based firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell. Leonard, who has been involved with the law firm in numerous benefit poker runs to help others, is facing expensive medical treatment and has no health insurance, Sweat said. The silent auction, which originally was scheduled toward the end of the poker run, will begin at 6 p.m. May 4 at the Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com or call 386-788-7700.

Sales booming for Royal Oak Homes during first three months of year, 92 sales at $19 million

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes, based in Baldwin Park reported a record 92 sales in the first three months of 2013 valued at more than $19 million. Steve Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, with his brother Matt, said Royal Oak Homes is currently active in six communities but plans at least four more this year including communities in Minneola, Winter Garden, St. Cloud and Davenport. The company is on pace to meet a goal their 274 closings in 2013. The average price of a home by Royal Oak is $204,000. Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder whose track record boasts more than 14,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years under the Cambridge Homes brand, one of the region’s most successful home builders in the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 2011, Royal Oak Homes is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most active home builders in the Central Florida area, building in ten active communities in the region.

Ryland Homes Team Takes up Kitchen Duties at Trinity Café to Help Feed Tampa Bay’s Homeless

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay area set aside their business suits and their work boots recently to pitch in and help Trinity Café in downtown Tampa feed some of the area’s homeless. Mike Finley, vice president of sales and marketing for the Tampa Bay division of Ryland Homes, said the experience proved personally rewarding for all involved but also makes for good business. “It was a privilege to help in any way we can for such a meaningful cause,” Finley explained. “In addition, the experience was a good team-building exercise. Taking a break from our normal workday to help others is a great way to spend time together as a team,” Finley said. Six Ryland Tampa professionals worked diligently four hours at Trinity Café. Sales professionals, department managers, clerical staff, accountants and construction team worked side by side through the day. “This is what a community is all about,” Finley said. “We work together, we help each other, and we make our community better one meal at a time,” he said. Finley, who joined Ryland Homes in Tampa this year, serves as the Treasurer of the Sales and Marketing Council of the Tampa Bay Builders Association. Ryland Homes builds single-family homes and town homes in 18 Tampa Bay communities priced starting from the low $100s to the mid-$300s.

Celebration Golf Management Eyes Big Change for Wounded Veterans

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Celebration Golf Management will launch “Change for Wounded Warriors” at all of the golf courses it owns and manages in the Central Florida area. Kenny Nairn, chief operating officer and executive vice president of golf, said Celebration Golf Management hopes “Change for Wounded Warriors” will raise several thousand dollars this summer to support wounded U.S. veterans. “Change for Wounded Warriors” is deceptively simple and very effective,” Nairn explained “I’m proud to be personally involved in fundraising efforts for our wounded veterans.” Nairn, a Scottish PGA golf professional, is a board member of the Fairways for Warriors Foundation, a charitable organization that provides golf lessons and outings to help rehabilitate wounded service men and women. Celebration Golf Management will post point-of-sale “Round Up” posters and collection jars in each of its golf shops, restaurants and taverns asking patrons to “Round Up” change to contribute to the Wounded Warriors program. “We have tried this out and our patrons respond enthusiastically,” Nairn said. “We all own a debt of gratitude to our veterans and especially to our wounded veterans,” Nairn said. Nairn said Celebration Golf Management offers a wide range of golf incentives for wounded veterans, including free or heavily discounted golf outings and lessons. For more information, visit www.fairwaysforwarriors.org. Celebration Golf Management owns or operates golf clubs at Celebration, The Golden Bear Club in Windermere, Kings Ridge Golf Club and Legends Golf Club in Clermont, Stoneybrook West in Winter Garden, Eagle Creek Golf Club in East Orlando, Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee and Redtail Golf Club in Sorrento.

Florida Business Incubation Assn. extremely proud of two members winning several big international awards

Orlando, Fla. --The Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA), a professional network that supports business incubators and economic development throughout Florida, is very proud of two of its members, UF Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator and the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, which at the recent National Business Incubation Association 2013 International Conference won several international awards. The UF Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator won two awards -- the Dinah Adkins Incubator of the Year award for incubators with a technology focus, followed by the highest award, the Randall M. Whaley Incubator of the Year, for overall excellence. In the process, they topped incubators more than twice their size, such as the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp. The UCF Business Incubation Program won the 2013 Incubator Network award and won over another great network of incubators in the US, the Purdue Technology Centers, in Indiana. UCFBIP is a university-driven community partnership that includes nine business incubators in Central Florida. Its mission is to provide early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to create financially stable, high-growth enterprises that lead to positive economic impact within local communities. Dr. Tom O’Neal, president of the Florida Business Incubation Assn. and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program in Orlando, is extremely pleased, and said it has never occurred that two different incubation programs from Florida achieved so many NBIA awards for the programs themselves. "Normally it is our excellent clients and graduates that bring home many NBIA awards," Dr. O'Neal said. "This symbolizes that the Florida incubators really know what they are doing, the quality of the business climate here, and the high level of support for our entrepreneurs, giving them solid ground to develop and flourish."

First Green Bank Reports Assets Valued at $225 million in March, offering tops $5 million

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank, based in Lake County, reported its bank assets total more than $225 million as of March 31, 2013. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said First Green Bancorp’s first stock offering has raised more than $5 million so far and he expects to reach the $10 million mark before the offering closes June 30. First Green Bank marked the official opening of its downtown Orlando branch with a cocktail reception on Thursday, April 11. The bank, which opened in February 17, 2009, now has branch facilities in Clermont, Ormond Beach, and downtown Orlando. The bank’s award-winning LEED certified headquarters facility on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora helped rank First Green Bank as one of America’s greenest banks, according to the American Bankers Association.

NAI Realvest negotiates industrial leases in airport area totaling 13,500 square feet including SimCom simulator training renewal

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two lease agreements for industrial space in the airport area – a renewal of 12,000 square feet and a new lease of 1,500 square feet. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest represented landlord Parkline Properties, LLC of Columbus, Ohio in negotiating the renewal of units 1 through 3 occupied by SimCom Inc. a simulator training firm in the industrial center at 8350 Parkline Blvd. off Jetport Drive west of Orlando International Airport. Heidrich represented landlord Airport Investment Properties LLC, also based in Columbus, in a new lease agreement with Milsav LLC d/b/a Metro Now for 1,500 square feet in Unit 100-H at Airport Industrial Center, 7480 Narcoossee Road, just northeast of the airport.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Leases at South Park Business Center with Special Effects Studio and Events, Marketing Firm totaling 3,660 Square Feet

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated new and renewal leases for 1,830 square feet each at South Park Business Center, a flex, office and warehouse center at 8600 Commodity Circle in Orlando. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, principal at NAI Realvest and associate Chris Adams, negotiated a new lease on behalf of the Miami-based landlord South Park, LLC. for suite 111 at South Park. The new tenant is Exhilarate, LLC, an events and marketing firm Kelley represented the same landlord in a renewal lease agreement with Blue Whale Studios, Inc. a full service make up and special effects studio and motion picture producer who occupies Suite 102 at South Park.

ASHTON WOODS HOMES HAS 11 HOME SITES REMAINING AT OAKLAND PARK NEAR WINTER GARDEN

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes’ community of Oakland Park, located off Plant Street near Winter Garden is nearly sold out. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said only 11 home sites remain in the community where the homebuilder offers homes ranging from 1,971 square feet of living area to 4,000 square feet in three, four and five bedroom designs and prices starting from $279,990. 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.

ICI Homes Names New Sales Consultant for Live Oak Estates Community in Southeast Orlando

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes, has appointed Lisa “Kay” Wright a new home sales consultant for its community Live Oak Estates in southeast Orlando. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes said Wright has more than 13 years of experience in sales and the homebuilding industry. She formerly worked for U.S. Home and Lennar Homes. Wright has been a resident of Orlando for more than 27 years.

ONLY 19 HOME SITES REMAIN FOR SALE AT BELLA TERRA IN ESTERO

Fort Myers, Fla. --- Only 19 home sites remain for sale at Bella Terra, Lennar’s gated community of Executive homes located on Messino Court just south of Corkscrew Rd. three miles East of I-75. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar in southwest Florida, said Bella Terra has grown into one of Lennar’s most popular and prestigious communities. New three, four and five-bedroom Executive homes in five elegant floor plans were inspired by beautiful northern Italian-style architecture, Devereaux said. New Executive series homes at Bella Terra range from 1,677 square feet of living area to 3,231 square feet priced from the $200s. All Lennar Executive Homes 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. Bella Terra features a private park and lake pond, a community center and clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool, tennis and volleyball court, a basketball court, a children’s playground, and a tot lot. Visit www.lennar.com.

Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida Names Two Veteran Mortgage Officers in Lake Mary Headquarters Office

Lake Mary, Fla. -- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, Inc., Florida’s largest and most active privately held residential mortgage company recently named two veteran mortgage officers to positions in the firm’s headquarters in Lake Mary. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, Inc., said he appointed Jeff Fattibene, senior mortgage consultant / loan originator in the firm’s reverse mortgage division. Malloy also named Elon Bodden as mortgage loan originator in the Lake Mary office. Fattibene, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, has more than a year of experience as a reverse mortgage specialist in Baltimore. Bodden, who attended the University of Central Florida, has more than 10 years in residential mortgage lending, including seven years of management. “Integrity Home Loan is building the most experienced and best trained staff of mortgage officers in Florida,” Malloy said. “Jeff Fattibene and Elon Bodden will play important roles in our continued growth in the Central Florida region and other states,” he added. With 11 offices in Jacksonville, Lake Mary, Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Tampa, Clearwater, West Palm Beach, Coral Springs and Southfield, Michigan, Integrity Home Loan provided more than 2,700 mortgage loans last year that totaled more than $600 million. Malloy projects Integrity will serve up more than 3,200 residential mortgage loans in 2013.

Rhodes+Brito Architects earn Continuing Services Contract from U.S. General Service Administration

ORLANDO, Fla., -- Rhodes+Brito Architects based in Orlando, has earned a five year continuing services contract from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito, said the continuing services contract authorizes Rhodes+Brito Architects to provide architectural design services to be requested by the GSA with fees not exceeding $1 million per year during the five year contract period. The U.S. General Services Administration develops, manages and maintains non-military buildings and other facilities owned by the U.S. Government.

FIRST GREEN BANK CHAIRMAN TELLS SHAREHOLDERS OF BANK'S UNIQUE NICHE MARKET, EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES

Mount Dora, Fla. --- Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank in Mount Dora, told shareholders at its meeting recently of the bank’s unique mission – which is to foster local economic growth, sustainable business practices and environmental awareness through the communities it serves. The bank now has branches in Clermont, Ormond Beach and downtown Orlando and will open another one in Winter Park by the end of the year. LaRoe told shareholders that First Green Bank has opened doors to important new segments and unexpected opportunities for growth. LaRoe, who conceived First Green Bank’s “green” mission in 2009, said new and emerging niche markets represent major areas of growth for the bank, which now has branch facilities in Clermont, Ormond Beach and downtown Orlando in addition to its award-winning headquarters facility on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora. “Solar energy, energy retrofits, lighting retrofits, community supported agriculture, faith-based organizations and non-profits are growth segments of the new economy and are also endeavors we want to help foster,” LaRoe said. “Older, larger sustainable banking organizations are having tremendous success in those sectors. Those sorts of enterprises are very receptive to our approach to sustainable community banking,” LaRoe said. Before First Green Bank opened its downtown Orlando branch, a multi-million dollar manufacturer of sport accessories contacted the bank to open a commercial account. The reason? “They are a green company and they wanted a green bank,” LaRoe said. First Green Bank’s recent admission to the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, an independent network of the world’s leading sustainable banks from Asia, Africa, Australia, Latin America, North America and Europe with assets of more than $60 billion in 25 countries, has also opened new doors. “The Global Alliance owns a mutual fund that has approached us as an investment opportunity,” LaRoe said. “We anticipate they will invest as much as $5.7 million over the next couple years,” he said. First Green Bank’s first stock offering has raised more than $5 million so far and LaRoe expects to reach the $10 million mark before the offering closes June 30. First Green Bank’s mission is a big draw for employees as well. “I can’t tell you how many experienced, highly qualified banking professionals have said they will take any position available just so they can take part in our effort,” LaRoe said. “It really makes me proud that there are so many people in banking, industry and community development who understand what we are trying to do and want to be a part of it,” he said. Last month, First Green Bank reported its assets now total more than $225 million. This year First Green Bank plans to open a branch office in Winter Park, LaRoe said. “We are growing, and we are starting to see some of the fruits of our efforts elsewhere in our communities,” LaRoe said. “The future is looking brighter for First Green Bank and for the Central Florida economy as well,” he said.

Integrity Home Loan Appoints Senior Loan Originator in Jacksonville Office

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, which ranks as Florida’s largest and most active privately-held residential mortgage company, recently appointed Win Thomas as senior loan originator in its Northeast Florida Regional Office at 8130 Baymeadows Way in Jacksonville. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida said Thomas earned his B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of North Florida and formerly served as a loan originator with Merrill Lynch Home Loans in Jacksonville. “We are building a staff of the most experienced residential mortgage professionals in northeast Florida to serve our clients in the Jacksonville region and Win Thomas will play an important role in our continued growth in the region,” Malloy said. With 11 offices in Jacksonville, Lake Mary, Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Tampa, Clearwater, West Palm Beach, Coral Springs and Southfield, Michigan, Integrity Home Loan provided more than 2,700 mortgage loans last year that totaled more than $600 million. Malloy projects Integrity will serve up more than 3,200 residential mortgage loans in 2013.

Emerson International Starts Design Work for Eagle Creek Center Retail Facilities

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International has started design work for the Eagle Creek Center, retail facilities at Eagle Creek Golf Club community located on Narcoossee Rd. in Southeast Orlando. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing for Emerson International said the first phase of the project includes two buildings that will total 27,000 square feet of retail space.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Office Leases at Plaza Central in South Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new lease agreements for office space at Plaza Central, 6220 South Orange Blossom Trail in South Orlando. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, principal at NAI Realvest, and associate Chris Adams negotiated both transactions on behalf of the landlord. CNA Educators of Central FL. Inc. , a technical school for medical assistants, leased 800 square feet of office space in Suite 518 at Plaza Central. Golden Hills Services, Inc., a firm providing carpet and janitorial cleaning services, leased 784 square feet in Suite 110 of Plaza Central.

Integrity Home Loan Appoints Residential Loan Originator in Tampa Bay Area Branch Office

Tampa, Fla. -- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, which ranks as Florida’s largest and most active privately-held residential mortgage company, recently appointed veteran residential mortgage officer Darrin J. Bosin as residential mortgage loan originator in its Tampa Bay Regional Office at 3030 N. Rocky Point Drive West in Tampa. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, Inc., said Bosin earned his B.A. degree in Finance from the University of Florida and formerly served as a loan officer and branch owner of Gold Star Mortgage Financial in Tampa. Bosin has more than six years of experience as a mortgage loan officer, Malloy said. “Our Tampa staff includes many of the most experienced and talented residential mortgage professionals in the Tampa Bay region and Darrin Bosin will play an important role in our continued growth in the region,” Malloy said. With 11 offices in Jacksonville, Lake Mary, Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Tampa, Clearwater, West Palm Beach, Coral Springs and Southfield, Michigan, Integrity Home Loan provided more than 2,700 mortgage loans last year that totaled more than $600 million. Malloy projects Integrity will serve up more than 3,200 residential mortgage loans in 2013.

Centex to Host Grand Opening Saturday April 27 to Showcase Two New Model Homes at Sullivan Ranch in Mount Dora

Mount Dora, Fla. --- Centex plans to host a Grand Opening event Saturday, April 27 to showcase two new model homes and new home designs. The event will include the popular Think Big Band, plenty of food and refreshments and a face painter for the kids at Sullivan Ranch, the gated community located on Round Lake Road east of U.S. 441 and South of S.R. 46 in Mount Dora. Sean Strickler, North Florida Division vice president of sales for Centex, said the family-friendly event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The two-story Madison model home at Sullivan Ranch offers a spacious 3,367 square feet of family living space with four, five or six bedrooms, a flex room, a family game room, and a three-car garage. The Atwater model home at Sullivan Ranch offers three bedrooms and an optional fourth bedroom with two baths, a flex room and an optional drop zone in 2,162 square feet of space along with a two-car garage or an optional three-car garage. Centex builds new active adult garden homes and single-family homes on 60-foot and 75-foot home sites at Sullivan Ranch priced from the low $100s to the high $200s. A new EFL Energy Efficiency Package option is available at Sullivan Ranch which includes Lennox® high-efficiency 14 SEER heating and air conditioning, an energy saving electric water heater, a Whirlpool® ENERGY STAR® dishwasher and Whirlpool self-cleaning range and range hood, insulated Low-E double-pane windows, vented vinyl soffits, a Honeywell™ digital programmable thermostat, R-38 attic insulation, radiant barrier roof decking and an insulated fiberglass six-panel entry door to reduce energy costs and improve indoor environmental quality. This option will be featured in the Madison model home. Sullivan Ranch features a lush park-like setting with a community clubhouse, resort style junior Olympic swimming pool, fitness center, dog park and a children’s park with its own water feature. The community also features miles of walking trails which weave throughout the community with views of the scenic wooden bridge, waterfall, and tree lined rolling hills. The two new model homes will be open to the public to tour seven days a week beginning April 27. Call 407-661-4795 or visit centex.com/SullivanRanch for hours and directions.

Teen Driver Inspired Newly Retooled Website that Helps Parents Teach Kids to Drive Safely, Responsibly -- Compendium Software Relaunches Much Improved Program

APOPKA, Fla. -- Compendium Software recently relaunched the much-improved SaferTeenDriver.com web site to help parents teach their teenagers how to drive safely and responsibly. Bob O'Connor, Chief Financial Officer at Compendium’s BrightFleet.com, the online portal for professional and fleet drivers, said his daughter---a teen driver---played a key role in helping to develop SafeTeenDriver.com. “At Brightfleet.com we’ve spent years developing online tools to help professional drivers improve their safety and reduce risk,” O'Connor explained. “My teenage daughter was learning to drive, and that made the whole task personal,” O’Connor said. “I was looking for ways to expose her to the life-threatening hazards that await her out on the highways without risking her safety. Most teens don’t acknowledge risk or danger until they experience it firsthand, and all too often that experience can be tragic,” O’Connor said. “They haven’t developed their situational awareness skills, and tend to target-fixate on hazards that appear suddenly instead of concentrating on how to solve the crisis,” he said. O’Connor’s colleagues at Brightfleet.com proposed a solution. “We began by modifying some of the online tools we use to evaluate and improve professional drivers’ hazard perception skills and the project evolved into one of the best and most important investments a parent of a teen driver can ever make,” he said. SaferTeenDriver.com combines the online gaming skills most teenagers possess with research-driven and statistically proven measurements of hazards, risks, and ways to avoid them, O’Connor said. O’Connor’s daughter was one of the first to try the new program. Soon, she turned from student to teacher. “She started talking me through potential hazards as we drove along,” O’Connor said. “It really blew me away that she adapted so well and so quickly,” he said. A brief video at SaferTeenDriver.com shows parents how they can help their teen drivers improve their skills---and their safety. An online parent-teen training course retails for $119.95, and a $99.95 introductory discount is available by using the code "TheExtraMile" during the enrollment process. SaferTeenDriver.com is a service of BrightFleet.com, a division of Compendium Software Systems, LLC a client member of the UCF Business Incubation Program in Apopka. For more information, visit SaferTeenDriver.com or telephone Compendium Software at 407-545-2200.

Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida to open new offices in Illinois, Virginia this year and expand Detroit office

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida plans to open new offices in Chicago area and Fairfax, Va. this year and to expand its Detroit-area office in Southfield, Mich. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, said his staff of seven loan officers in Southfield will grow to more than 25 loan officers this year. Integrity Home Loan provided more than 2,700 mortgage loans last year totaling more than $600 million from 11 branches including the Central Florida headquarters in Lake Mary, and locations in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich. Malloy projects Integrity will serve up more than 3,200 residential mortgage loans in 2013.

Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida Names James Shamshak Director of Operations

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida has named James Shamshak director of operations. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan, said Shamshak, a graduate of Hiram College in Ohio, has more than four years of experience in the mortgage industry. “Jim Shamhak is one of a new breed of mortgage loan executives who really sees the big picture,” Malloy said. “We are a young company that has experienced rapid growth during a slow economy and now that the economy is improving we expect Jim to play a major role in our continued growth,” Malloy said. Integrity Home Loan currently has locations throughout Florida in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich.

LENNAR HOMES SLASHES PRICES, ADDS INCENTIVES FOR END OF SEASON SALES SENSATION AT FIDDLER’S CREEK, TWIN EAGLES, AVE MARIA COMMUNITIES

NAPLES, Fla. --- Lennar Homes in Naples is offering a hefty package of buyer incentives on 15 new ready-to-move-in homes at Fiddler’s Creek, Twin Eagles and Ave Maria during its “End of Season Sales Sensation” now through May 30. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in southwest Florida, said the generous incentives include substantially reduced pricing, a host of free upgrades and low-interest mortgage rates on Lennar’s Estate Homes at Runaway Bay at Fiddler’s Creek, Executive Homes at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek, and at both Twin Eagles and Emerson Park in Ave Maria. Two ready-to-move-in Estate Homes at Runaway Bay at Fiddler’s Creek offer the biggest savings valued at over $50,000, Devereaux said. The three-bedroom, three-bath with den Bougainvillea floor plan offers 2,800 square feet of living space in a striking open-split floor plan that offers plenty of privacy and an enormous family living area that’s perfect for large gatherings of friends or family. With reduced pricing Lennar’s Estate Homes that start from the low $600s in Runaway Bay at Fiddler’s Creek---located off Collier Blvd. in Naples---offers tremendous value for a community with a 54,000 square foot Club and Spa with state-of-the-art fitness center, resort style multi-pool swimming complex, tennis courts, restaurants, and available membership at The Golf Club and The Tarpon Club, Devereaux said. Prices on three ready-to-move-in homes at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek, where Lennar builds two, three and four-bedroom Executive Homes priced from the $300s, offer savings and incentives valued at more than $30,000, he said. Ready-to-move-in Executive Homes at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek range in size from 1,649 square feet of living space to 2,246 square feet. Likewise, at Twin Eagles and Emerson Park at Ave Maria, Lennar has three ready-to-move-in Executive Homes that come with buyer incentive packages valued at more than $20,000 including reduced pricing, Devereaux said. Lennar builds two, three and four bedroom Executive Homes at Twin Eagles that range from 1,649 square feet of living space to 2,246 square feet, priced from $349,990, Twin Eagles---located on Fenhurst Way in Naples---ranks as one of the area’s premier golf communities with a spectacular 36-hole golf course and only 600 members, a natural preserve, parks and walking paths. Four move-in-ready Executive Homes with three, four and five bedrooms in Lennar’s Emerson Park at Ave Maria offer enormous savings too, Devereaux said. Homes at Emerson Park, a friendly family-oriented neighborhood featuring an attractive blend of new home designs, range from 1,677 square feet to 3,357 square feet and are priced from the $190s. “We’ve tried to offer the very best value in the finest neighborhoods in the Naples area, and I think we’ve succeeded,” Devereaux said. “We’re near the end of the winter season so we’ve slashed prices and added incentives to appeal to home buyers who’ve put off their decision to the last minute,” he said. Estate Homes and Executive Homes at Runaway Bay and Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek, and in Twin Eagles and 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 one value packed Lennar Homes price. Visit www.lennar.com.

Ashton Woods Homes has only four ready to move in homes available at Tanglewood Preserve in Gibsonton in Tampa Bay area

TAMPA, Fla. -- Ashton Woods Homes has only four move-in ready homes remaining at its community of Tanglewood Preserve located off Symnes Road near Gibsonton in South Hillsborough County. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Wood Homes said the four homes range in size from 1,618 square feet of living area to 2,733 square feet with prices starting from $171,500. 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.

Wightman & Associates Launches Online Programs to Help First Responders, Volunteers Respond to Regional Disasters

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Wightman & Associates, LLC, a consulting company in Orlando, recently launched five online programs to help FEMA workers, first responders and volunteers to cope with major regional disasters. Louis C. Dommer III, business development and chief financial officer for Wightman & Associates LLC, said all five online courses are required training for FEMA workers. “The Independent Study web-based courses are self-directed and easy to understand,” Dommer said. “They were designed to impart critical information to FEMA professionals and volunteers who are interested in being prepared,” he said. The online courses are available from the Emergency Management Institute--one of FEMA’s Training Centers--located in Maryland and are offered free of charge for those who qualify for enrollment, Dommer said. The courses focus on tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and homeland security, Dommer said. “Wightman & Associates LLC is a women-owned small business that provides full service organizational development and training dedicated to helping our clients achieve excellence through a qualified and synchronized workforce,” Dommer explained. Wightman & Associates is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

Lennar Promotes Anthony DeSimone to Director of Construction

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar recently promoted Anthony DeSimone to director of construction in the Orlando region which comprises Clermont, East Polk, Kissimmee, up through Seminole County and over to the Space Coast. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida division, said DeSimone has more than 19 years of experience as a home builder. DeSimone joined Lennar in 2004. “Anthony DeSimone is home building executive with proven experience and he is more than up to the task of directing our construction efforts in 23 communities in the Orlando,” Metheny said.

Three new tenants lease space at Emerson International’s Major Blvd. facility

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated three new lease agreements for office space totaling 2,755 square feet in Major Plaza I located at 5728 Major Blvd. in Southwest Orlando. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing at Emerson International, said new tenants include: Alan B. Taylor, P.A. which leased 1,245 square feet; Florida Realty Investments, 961 square feet and 549 square feet was leased by Auto Source Network.

Omega3 Innovations Offers Heart-Healthy Cookies Wrapped in Company Logos for Businesses Wanting to Enhance their Corporate Wellness Programs

VENICE, FL – Soon after the chief executive officer of a North Carolina-based packaging company began providing the Omega Heaven cookie as a break-time snack for his employees, he quickly realized the many benefits the nutritious dark chocolate-covered oat fiber and fish oil treats offered. In addition to promoting the cookies’ delicious taste and numerous health benefits, CEO Jim Anderson says there’s also the corporate branding advantage by placing the Global Packaging Solutions logo on the individually-wrapped cookies. "…Everyone likes the ability to have to their name on things,” he says. “I think [Omega Heaven] is a nice product that you can offer to your employees and show your pride in the company. When employees see things with their name on it, they think, ‘That's kind of neat.’" And, that’s exactly what the founders of Omega3 Innovations were hoping when they scheduled the launch of their corporate-wellness/co-branding packaging for April 15, 2013. “The combination of oat fiber, dark chocolate and omega-3 fish oil is good for the health of employees and the co-branding with the company logos helps companies market their corporate wellness programs,” says Dr. Bo Martinsen, co-founder of the Venice, FL bio-tech company. “By putting their logo and their slogans on the Omega Heaven packaging, companies clearly show their employees and customers, ‘We care about you. We care about your health.’ ” Each Omega Heaven contains four grams of oat fiber or the equivalent amount of fiber in an average serving of oatmeal, according to Martinsen. The cookie also has 1000 mg of EPA/DHA from omega-3 fish oil; the same as three fish oil capsules. While the cookie – which is gluten-free and diabetic-friendly – contains healthy ingredients, it was the taste that made it a selling point for Global Packaging and for Weber Manufacturing and Supplies in Nokomis, FL. The manufacturing company’s employees had a similar overwhelmingly positive reaction to the Omega Heaven after enjoying them the past month, according to Weber’s President, Sam Prost. “At first, my brain couldn’t get past the fish oil and cookie in one product,” says Prost. After tasting them, my taste buds take over and I look forward to my cookie each day. I have also lost about ten pounds in four weeks not doing anything other than eating the Omega Heaven cookie.” Martinsen said he hopes the positive feedback from the two companies will inspire others to offer the products to show they not only care about their employees, but they also care about their health. Anderson doesn’t need any convincing. "The response to the Omega Heaven has been very positive,” says Anderson. “Everyone likes them. We had worked with a health-food product a few years ago…but it didn't taste very good, so everyone was a little skeptical of the Omega Heaven at first. Now, every day, I look forward to coming in and having one.” For details on how to get your company logo on the Omega Heaven, contact Omega3 Innovations at 941-485-4400 or visit www.omega3innovations.com. About Omega3 Innovations: Founded by Bo Martinsen, M.D., and Anne-Marie Chalmers, M.D. – two physicians who have worked with omega-3 fish oil for more than 15 years – the company offers several varieties of Omega Cookies, as well as Omega Cure supplements and chocolates. Each Omega Cookie contains seven capsules worth of omega-3 fish oil, five grams of fiber, 200% of the recommended daily value of vitamin D and 35% of the daily value of calcium. In 2010 at the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation’s Hall of Fame awards, the company was named a winner in the category of innovations for being the first company to create a bakery product that contains an effective dose of omega-3 fish oil. For more information, visit www.omega3innovations.com.

ROYAL OAK HOMES NAMES NEW BUILDER, WARRANTY COORDINATOR

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, has named Chris Urusky builder at its community of Brekenridge in Apopka. Stephen Orosz, co-president and vice president of finance at Royal Oak Homes, said Urusky has more than 10 years of experience in the homebuilding industry. At the same time Orosz said Angela Young was named warranty coordinator. She has five years of experience in residential real estate.

ICI Homes Names Mark Lucas Product Development Director

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- Mark Lucas was recently appointed as the director of product development and design for ICI Homes and will spearhead the company’s future home design initiatives for all divisions. “We’re extremely excited about Mark joining the ICI Homes team,” said Tom McCall, chief operating officer for ICI Homes. “With many new communities coming out of the ground in the next two years, the demand for innovative new floor plans and personal customization will be an essential part of ICI’s business,” continued McCall. “Mark’s award-winning talent and extensive experience will help bring the ICI Homes product design team to a whole new level.” A native of Los Angeles who was educated at California Polytechnic State University, Lucas started his career working with several industry leading architectural firms in California where he spent 10 there years honing his skills before traveling east. When he settled in Florida, Lucas said he continued to produce cutting edge designs and worked for a national homebuilder for 12 years. “With the return of positive signs in the real estate market, I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to be a part of a homebuilding company that enjoyed a superb reputation with the resources and vision that could pave the way in quality and innovation for years to come. I found that and more in the people I met at ICI Homes,” he said. Lucas and his family now live in the Lake Nona area where he enjoys sailing, backpacking and travel, especially to European destinations where his interest in seeing medieval castle architecture provides some of the inspiration for his landmark designs.

Centex starts construction of two new model homes at The Reserve at Crossing Creek in Bradenton

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Centex has started construction of two new model homes at The Reserve at Crossing Creek, located at 44th Avenue East and 69th Street East just north of the intersection of Creekwood Blvd. and SR 70 in Bradenton. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Centex, said the two model homes are part of a new model park Centex Homes plans to open in July. The Vernon Hill Loft model home at The Reserve at Crossing Creek offers 2,629 square feet of living space in four bedrooms and three baths, with a den and an upstairs loft, plus a two car garage all priced from mid-$200s. Marin said the two-story Mendoza model home offers four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths priced from high-$200s . The massive 3,242 square foot Mendoza features an upstairs owner’s suite with its own private sitting area, upstairs game room, huge family room, formal living and dining areas, an optional den, first floor flex room which can be converted to an optional fifth bedroom and third full bath. Centex plans to build 88 single family homes at The Reserve at Crossing Creek that range in size from 1,911 square feet of living space to over 3,200 square feet from the high-100s.

Emerson International negotiates lease agreement at CenterPointe Office Park in Altamonte Springs

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated a new lease agreement at CenterPointe Office Park off E. Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs. Zac Starkey, commercial leasing associate at Emerson International, negotiated the lease representing the landlord/developer Emerson International. The new tenant Universal Outsourcing leased 806 square feet of office space.

Villages of Royal Palm names Adrienne Anderson new sales associate for Port Orange Community

SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm has appointed veteran sales associate Adrienne Anderson sales associate for the active adult community, located in Port Orange. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, based in South Daytona, said Anderson has more than 15 years of sales experience. Winston James Development is the developer of the Villages of Royal Palm.

UCF Business Incubation Program Wins International Award

ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Business Incubation Association based in Athens, Ohio named the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program the 2013 Incubator Network of the Year today during NBIA’s International Conference on Business Incubation in Boston. “This is the first year for this new award category,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program. “We are extremely pleased to be honored with this prestigious award.” The UCF Business Incubation Program is a university-driven community partnership that includes nine business incubators in Central Florida. Its mission is to provide early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to create financially stable, high-growth enterprises that lead to positive economic impact within local communities. Business incubation programs like those in the UCF network catalyze the process of starting and growing companies by providing entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools they need to make their ventures successful. NBIA estimates that in 2011 alone, North American incubators assisted about 49,000 start-up companies that provided full-time employment for nearly 200,000 workers and generated annual revenue of almost $15 billion. Approximately 7,000 business incubators operate worldwide. The National Business Incubation Association is the world's leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship. Each year, the NBIA Incubation Awards honor the business incubation programs, graduates and client companies that exemplify the best of the industry.

Bellagio Custom Homes’ Luxury Model Scores Hat Trick in Flagler Parade of Homes

PALM COAST – Three-year-old Bellagio Custom Homes is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the luxury homebuilding industry, as the family-owned company’s well-appointed Florenza II luxury model received three top honors at the 2013 Flagler Parade of Homes. Bellagio, which is a sister company of SeaGate Homes – brought home trophies for the first-place Realtor's Choice Award in the $320,000 and above category, a Grand Award in the $345,000-$375,000 range, and the Top Score Award for the best home in the parade, according to Robert Gazzoli, president of the Palm Coast-based company. But, kudos aren’t anything new for the 3,490-square-foot Florenza II model, which is situated on a half-acre lakefront lot with a breathtaking pool and spa at 212 Willow Oak Way in the Wild Oaks estate neighborhood of Grand Haven. The four-bedroom, four-bath model received two top awards – the Grand Award and Realtor’s Choice Award – at last year’s parade. Not a bad showing for two consecutive years from one of the area’s newest homebuilders. “I think it says a lot about our designs and workmanship that the $742,000 model sold last year while it was being built,” Gazzoli said. “We are currently doing a lease-back on it and are in the planning stages of a new model in Ocean Hammock.” Gazzoli, who also serves as president of SeaGate Homes – Flagler County’s largest homebuilder – said the decision to create a separate luxury homebuilding company is proving to have been a wise one. Throughout SeaGate’s 19 years in business, Gazzoli said the company has had numerous requests for larger, custom homes. “We decided to start a new company because there were just so many differences that it didn’t make sense to try and be everything to everyone,” he said. “Bellagio – which has a variety of plans to choose from – also offers in-house architectural drafting and employs a licensed Interior Designer to assist customers in making color selections and is building a new Design Studio complete with over 2,000 sq. ft. of display space for customers coordinate their interior appointments.” The growing company, which Gazzoli said has plans to start more inventory homes in Ocean Hammock and Palm Coast Plantation, has several contracted homes under construction in Grand Haven, the Tidelands, Ocean Hammock, Palm Coast Plantation and Hammock Dunes. For more information about the Florenza II or other Bellagio properties, please call 386-246-6175 or visit www.BellagioHomesFL.com. About Bellagio Homes: Bellagio Custom Homes is a leading custom homebuilder specializing in the construction of unique luxury residences throughout Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia Counties.

Harmony Welcomes New 15,000 Sq Ft Town Square Marketplace

HARMONY, Fla. – To help fulfill the requests of local residents and community members, Harmony Development Company is pleased to announce the opening of a brand new Town Square Marketplace, located at the main entrance into the Town of Harmony on SR 192. Brock Nicholas of Harmony Development Company said a grand opening celebration is planned for April 26 when final inspections will be cleared and all tenants will have occupied their suites. Plans call for all new businesses--retail establishments and restaurants--to open in stages within a period of approximately 45 days beginning March 1, according to Nicholas. Evolution Nail & Spa, ProHealth Family Physicians, D’Oro Pizzeria, and Town Square Market grocery store are currently open. They will be joined by a slate of other businesses including The Vineyard Wine Bar which will open by mid-April just in time for the official grand opening event. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest who handles marketing and leasing for Harmony Development, recently negotiated leases that will bring two more major tenants to Town Square Marketplace in April. Livin the Dream Cuisine, Inc. d/b/a Nature’s Table restaurant leased 2,199 square feet and Advantage Golf Cars leased 1,007 square feet to open a quick service center and showroom featuring golf carts for sale, rent or lease. Partyka said Harmony’s Town Square Marketplace is the 10th location in Florida for Advantage Golf Cars which services all types of golf carts. “Now that Phase 1 is complete, we will poll tenants for the next few months to verify customer traffic and ensure these shops are well supported by residents. Once we see demand is stable in Phase 1, our focus will shift to delivery of Phase 2, the next 9,500 square feet,” Nicholas said. “We are thrilled to be a participating in commercial growth in East Osceola County… these retail services will be a fantastic amenity for Harmony and nearby neighborhoods, and should take a little pressure off household expenses by cutting transportation costs for basic services.” Harmony Development Company required that new businesses were family-oriented, created a sense of neighborhood and were in line with the community’s overall objectives. Located at 7250 to 7274 Harmony Square Drive South, the first phase occupies about 15,000 square feet of space and is divided up as follows: • Harmony Town Square Market, 6,203 square feet (anchor tenant) • The Vineyard Wine Bar, 2,204 square feet • Nature’s Table, 2,199 square feet • ProHealth Family Physicians, 1,361 square feet • Evolution Nails and Spa, 1,260 square feet • D’Oro Pizzeria, 860 square feet • Advantage Golf Cars, 1007 square feet Evolution Nails and Spa opened on March 1st. The spa includes a variety of services including manicures, pedicures, and a waxing salon. The hours are Monday-Saturday from 9:30AM-7:00PM and Sunday, 12:00PM-5:00PM. 407-891-1804. ProHealth Family Physicians, which has been a thriving business in St. Cloud, is now open in Harmony and accepting new patients. For general information or to schedule an appointment, call 407-892-0009. http://www.prohealthfp.com/ For more information on Harmony’s Town Square Marketplace, visit: http://www.harmonyfl.com/Amenities/town-square-market-place About Harmony: A town that captures the beauty of Old Florida while offering a strong cultural foundation, reflected in the porches that line our quiet, safe and charming streets, Harmony is an environmentally intelligent community certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition, with Energy Star®-certified homes, and surrounded by walkable parks, great schools, and 7,700 acres of Central Florida nature preserves. More than merely a planned community, shaped with purpose from the start, Harmony is a town consciously designed to offer beauty and amenities, in balance with nature. Community tours are available daily. For more information on the town of Harmony, visit www.harmonyfl.com or call 407-891-8358.

Pulte Homes to host Camden Lakes Preferred Buyer Seminar

NAPLES, Fla. --- Pulte Homes will host a Camden Lakes Preferred Buyer seminar Saturday June 8 at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte Homes, said the 1 p.m. seminar is open to realtors, brokers and interested home buyers and admission is free. “We have been inundated with requests for information about Camden Lakes,” Mairn said, adding “Space is limited and we recommend making a reservation early.” Located off Livingston Road west of I-75 one mile north of Immokalee Road, Camden Lakes will be the newest Pulte Homes community in the Naples area when it opens later this year. “The Camden Lakes Preferred Buyer Seminar will offer all the details on presales, pricing, our home site reservation process, floor plan designs, community features and a neighborhood site map,” Mairn said. “It’s the first chance prospective home buyers and realtors will have to learn how to be the first to own a home in this premier location, Mairn added. Space in the Camden Lakes Preferred Buyer Seminar will be limited. RSVP and reservation is necessary to attend, Mairn said. To reserve a spot call 866-283-2585 or email jenna.kowalczyk@pultegroup.com.

Lennar to host Grand Opening to showcase new model homes at Wilson Preserve in Riverview

TAMPA, Fla. — Lennar will host a Grand Opening Saturday, April 20 to showcase its new Monte Carlo model home at Wilson Preserve, the master-planned community located south of Gibsonton Drive off U.S. 301 in Riverview. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the Monte Carlo model home offers four bedrooms and three baths in 3,210 square feet of living space with a three-car garage. Metheny said the Southern Hospitality themed Grand Opening event, from 12-3 p.m., will feature refreshments with a deep south menu and tours of a model home and ready-to-move-in homes at Wilson Preserve. “The Monte Carlo model home is from our Estate Homes collection,” Metheny said. “The Monte Carlo at Wilson Preserve is priced from $279,990.” Lennar plans to build 62 Manor Homes at Wilson Preserve with 10 distinctive designs priced from the mid-$100s and ranging in size from the single-story, 1,353 square foot St. Moritz to the two-story Montego with five bedrooms in 2,719 square feet. Eighteen move-in ready Manor Homes are open now at Wilson Preserve. Lennar is building 66 Estate homes at Wilson Preserve that range in size from the three-bedroom Columbus model with 1,677 square feet of living space to the five-bedroom Independence NextGen® model home with 3,357 square feet of living space and three and one-half baths. Lennar’s NextGen Homes feature a private “home within a home” for multi-generational families with two private entrances and two separate living areas under a single roof. All new homes at Wilson Preserve feature Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of special features from granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances to crown molding and tile in high traffic living areas. For directions and more information, visit www.LennarTampa.com or call 888-536-6272.

Lennar Homes opens four bedroom Alexandria model home at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Lennar Homes recently opened the four-bedroom, three-bath Alexandria model home at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres, Lennar’s gated family community located off Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in southwest Florida, said the Alexandria model home is priced from $193,990 and totals 1,904 square feet of living space, plus a two car garage. Lennar plans to build some 50 one and two-story homes at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres from its Executive collection of new home designs priced from $162,990 to $267,990. New Executive Series homes at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres range from 1,667 square feet of living area to 3,231 square feet. 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. Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres features a community swimming pool, spa, elegant 4,000 square foot clubhouse with lake views and catering kitchen, a fitness facility, and children’s playground. Visit www.lennar.com.

ALTR Supports Local Susan G. Komen Group by Creating Pink Button Covers for Breast Cancer Awareness

ORLANDO, Fla. – ALTR, an Orlando startup that creates trendy button covers, is an official sponsor of the Central Florida affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and is producing “Pink for the Cure” button covers to help create awareness of the disease. Alexandra Gramatikas, co-founder of the internet-based company, initially began by creating decorative gold and orange button covers with University of Central Florida and University of Florida logos. Currently ALTR button covers can also be purchased in Winter Park at Siegel’s Clothing and Gray’s Bookstore. Now, she’s ready to produce bright pink “button covers for a cause” and to revolutionize how to raise awareness for breast cancer by integrating it into everyday apparel, rather than only one month out of the year. Gramatikas is asking for support from the community in the form of crowdfunding, which uses the internet to pool money for anything from political campaigns and civic projects to scientific research and disaster relief. “We’ve turned to crowdfunding to help us manage the manufacturing of our newest button cover,” Gramatikas said. “For every box of six small or four large button covers that is pre-ordered, ALTR will donate $1 to Susan G. Komen. This will not only help us reach a different market, it will help us manage our manufacturing efficiently.” “We’re allowing people to pre-order covers at a discounted price of $10 during the crowdfunding period, then we will manufacture them and sell them at the full price of $12,” Gramatikas explained. The button covers are made of ABS plastic and slide onto existing buttons on most shirts, blouses and blazers. They are machine washable and also can be slipped onto shoes, hats, handbags and other items. “I think they’ll be great for hospitals and clinics to give out to staff, patients and especially to those getting a mammogram, and for runners who want to show their support in races and marathons.” Gramatikas said she hopes the crowdfunding effort – which runs through May 4 – will generate enough money so that ALTR can make a substantial donation to the Breast Cancer Awareness cause by the annual observance in October. To learn more about ALTR’s efforts, visit www.madetoaltr.com or the ALTR web page on RocketHub, a crowdfunding website, at http://rkthb.co/12737. ALTR is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program – Orlando.

Local Law Firm Will Help Sponsor American Cancer Society’s Annual Port Orange Relay for Life

PORT ORANGE – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, with offices in Palm Coast, once again is helping to sponsor the American Cancer Society’s 2013 Relay for Life April 20-21 at the Port Orange Pavilion, 5501 S. Williamson Blvd. The fundraising event – which begins at noon Saturday and continues through 6 a.m. Sunday – involves more than four million people in over 20 countries each year. Included in the 18-hour relay will be a luminaria or candlelight ceremony, a survivor’s lap and a fight-back ceremony, according to local American Cancer Society spokeswoman, Leslie Castillo. “This is a family-friendly event where members of teams camp out and take turns walking around the track to raise funds and cancer awareness,” she said. A variety of food, games and activities will be provided during the overnight event. Relay cancer survivors celebrate what they've overcome in the Survivors Lap; those who are fighting, have fought back or have been lost to cancer are honored during the Luminaria Ceremony; and relay participants get inspired and take action against the disease in the Fight Back Ceremony. Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, an event sponsor since 2008, will have more than 15 employees participating in a variety of ways, according to Kim Bouck, a partner in the personal-injury firm. “We’re especially pleased to be a part of this event, as nearly all of us have been touched by cancer in some way,” Bouck said. Bouck said the firm helped raise more than $3,500 last year and she hopes they will surpass that amount this year. She added that individuals without a group are invited to walk with the Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell team. For more information, contact Castillo at 386-274-3274, ext. 5851 or leslie.castillo@cancer.org, or visit www.rueziffra.com/2013-relay-for-life-port-orange. About Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell: Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

Luxury Highrise Penthouse Suite Could Become Orlando’s Newest, Classiest Night Club

ORLANDO, Fla. --- A 9,470 square foot penthouse space and 10,000 square foot sky terrace patio overlooking Lake Eola could become downtown Orlando’s most luxurious night club if Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty gets his way. Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty currently represents the space on the 16th floor of The Plaza’s North Tower on S. Orange Avenue at Pine Street, and Soderstrom said his group is talking to local, national and international night club operators. “We have had interest in the penthouse and the feedback we’ve been getting from the industry is that the space is one of the best in the region for this type of use,” Soderstrom said. Soderstrom said his nightclub proposal could heat up quickly, especially if any of Orlando’s burgeoning sports entertainment enterprises---from Orlando Magic to Orlando City Soccer to the Orlando Renegades---see their pictures improve. Downtown Orlando’s performing arts center could also kick-start the club, Soderstrom said. “As the local economy improves we believe the Plaza’s North Tower Penthouse could emerge as one of the region’s premier leisure and entertainment venues,” Soderstrom said. Soderstrom said Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty commercial specialist John Kurtz is handling the leasing arrangements for the property. Kurtz said the lease agreement includes a full event kitchen, board room, conference area, TV monitors, patio furniture and bar with elegant elevator foyer, reception center, full prep kitchen, air-conditioned computer room and other features. Lease rate, according to Kurtz, is $28 per square foot plus electric and janitorial services. A brochure on the property may be seen at http://www.stirlingsir.com/resources/siteresources/my%20folder/jkurtz_plaza_16_ebrochure.pdf

Lennar Homes Showcasing Trevi Model Home at Bella Vida in Cape Coral

Cape Coral, Fla. – Lennar Homes is now selling executive style homes in three, four and five bedroom designs at its community of Bella Vida located off of Del Prado Extension in North Cape Coral. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in southwest Florida, said executive homes at Bella Vida range from 1,677 square feet of living area to 3,231 square feet, priced from the high $100s. Devereaux said Lennar is showcasing the Trevi model home now open for viewing at Bella Vida offering four bedrooms and three baths in 2,032 square feet of living area plus a two-car garage. The Trevi which is priced from $209,990 features formal living and dining rooms. Executive homes at Bella Vida include Lennar’s Manor style and “Next-Gen – home within a home” design for multi generational families, and all plans 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. Visit www.lennar.com.

Celebration Golf Club to kick off second season of Golf ‘n Gals League with April 19 Launch Party

Celebration, Fl. --- Celebration Golf Club near Walt Disney World will kick off the second season of its beginner-friendly Golf’n Gals 9 hole League with a launch party on Friday, April 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. Carol Daniels, golf sales agent, said the Golf’n Gals League tees off every Wednesday beginning May 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Celebration Golf Club. Cost is $20 including green fees, cart fees and prizes. “The Golf’n Gals League offers lady golfers a good time without pressure, using a variety of formats,” Daniels said. “It’s relaxed, and we focus on helping each league member improve her game, but mostly we’re out to have fun,” she said. To join the Golf’n Gals League, RSVP by phone to the Celebration Golf Shop at 407-566-4653ext 4605 or email cdaniels@celebrationgolf.com . Deadline to RSVP is by Wednesday, April 17.

Henin Homes names new builder at Riviera Bella

DEBARY, Fla. – Henin Homes, the luxury homebuilding division of the Henin Group, has named James Kerr builder in Riviera Bella, the award winning community overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary. Matt Boltz, vice president of Henin Homes, Inc., said Kerr has more than 18 years of experience in construction and the homebuilding industry.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Names Jeff Yeager project manager

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park has named veteran Jeff Yeager project manager. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said Yeager has more than 20 years of experience in construction management, cost estimating, project scheduling, development and project control. Yeager, a former U.S. Marine is a graduate of Brevard Community College and the University of Phoenix. Peterson also appointed Ramy Aziz, architectural graduate. Aziz is a recent graduate of the University of Egypt.

Only eight luxury condominiums remain for rent at Bouchelle Island in New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Only eight luxury condominiums remain for rent at Bouchelle Island in New Smyrna Beach. Anthony DiMucci, who heads DiMucci Companies, developers of Bouchelle Island, said two and three condominiums range in size from 1,150 square feet of living space to 1,500 square feet. DiMucci said the luxury condominiums that are available for long-term lease start at $1,100.

Only 20 luxury condominiums remain for sale at Towers II in Daytona Beach Shores

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. --- Only 20 luxury oceanfront condominiums remain for sale at DiMucci Twin Towers, the luxury condominium tower DiMucci Companies developed on A1A in Daytona Beach Shores. Anthony DiMucci, who heads the DiMucci Companies, said the two and three bedroom luxury condominiums average about 3,000 square feet each and are priced from the $400s.

Multiplying Talents’ President to Speak at International Pastors and Leadership Conference April 25-27 in Dallas

ORLANDO, Fla – For the second consecutive year, Aretha Olivarez – an author, veteran and president of Orlando-based Multiplying Talents – will be a featured speaker at the 2013 Bishop TD Jakes’ International Pastors and Leadership Conference scheduled April 25-27 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Olivarez – a former grant reviewer for the city of Orlando mayor’s office – has conducted seminars and training sessions on grant writing, obtaining 501(c)(3) status and establishing non-profit corporations for the past 15 years. A voting committee member for the Minority-Women Entrepreneur Business Assistance (MEBA) program, Olivarez spoke at the 2012 conference, where more than 8,000 pastors and leaders attended seminars and speaking sessions. This year she was asked to return to present her “Faith-Based Funding and the Power of the 501(c)(3)” seminar all three days of the conference. “A 501(c)(3) is the only way an organization can get grants,” Olivarez says. “I want to teach other people to do what I do, and I enjoy helping pastors and community leaders obtain their non-profit status. They all want to do more in their community but they usually are limited because of funds.” Multiplying Talents, a client of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubator Program, ended 2012 by having assisted 150 non-profit start-ups from Florida to Hawaii.

Ashton Woods Homes plans new community in Sarasota region with 91 single family home sites

SARASOTA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has started land development of its next community located in Sarasota — Whitaker Park, off Richardson Road with 91 single family home sites. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said two model homes at Whitaker Park will get underway in June. Ashton Woods will build homes at Whitaker Park that range from 1,700 square feet of living area to 3,200 square feet with prices starting in the high $200s, Roche said. 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.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease Agreement with Metal Fabrication firm, Renewal with Elevator company at Goldenrod CommerCenter in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,206 square feet of industrial space at 1468 N. Goldenrod Rd. in suite 250 of Goldenrod CommerCenter in east Orlando. NAI Realvest Principal Michael Heidrich brokered the transaction representing the landlord, Maitland-based COP-Goldenrod, LLC. The new local tenant is Allied Simulation, Inc. doing business as Allied Metal Fab. Heidrich also brokered a lease renewal agreement for the same landlord with Alternate Elevator Sales & Service LLC who occupies Suite 125 with 2,000 square feet at 1460 N. Goldenrod Rd. at Goldenrod CommerCenter.

NAI Realvest Negotiates $824,500 Sale of 28-Unit Apartment Building in Daytona Beach Tourist District

MAITLAND, Fla. -- NAI Realvest sold the 28-unit Branches East Apartments located in the heart of the Daytona Beach tourist district at 416 North Grandview Ave. Chris Butera, investment associate along with Mez Birdie CCIM, director of investment services at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the seller Branches East Apartments, LLC of Milwaukee. The buyer Starr Properties LLC, based in Ormond Beach, purchased the multi-family property which is situated just two blocks from the beach.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease with Tommy Hilfiger Outlet Store at Kissimmee Shopping Center

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new retail lease agreement with another major tenant – Tommy Hilfiger – at Kissimmee Shopping Center on Old Vineland Rd. in Kissimmee. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest brokered the transaction representing the landlord, Herndon, Va.-based KVOS, LLC. Tommy Hilfiger Retail LLC based in Bridgewater, N.J. leased Suite 2553 with 5,000 square feet at the Kissimmee Shopping Center. Tommy Hilfiger’s clearance store joins Nike, Converse and Bealls at the center located at 2501-2573 Old Vineland Rd.

Henin Homes Opens Phase Three at Riviera Bella in DeBary

DeBary, Fla. – Henin Homes has broken ground on Phase Three at the Riviera Bella luxury community in DeBary overlooking the St. Johns River. Matt Boltz, vice president of Henin Homes, Inc., said Phase Three of the exclusive waterfront community will be made up of two villages — Villago with 14 patio homes ranging from 1,700 square feet of living space to 2,700 square feet, priced from the $190s. The other village in the new phase is Mediterra which will offer 20 single-family home sites homes ranging from 2,000 square feet to 4500 square feet and priced from the mid-$200s. Development of the two Mediterranean villages will be completed by the end of summer, Boltz said.

Hendricks-Berkadia Negotiates sale of 10 acre multi-family site in Panama City Beach for $1,050,000

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks-Berkadia Real Estate Advisors, which ranks as one of the leading multi-family investment banking and research companies in the nation, recently negotiated the sale of Waterpointe, a 10-acre multi-family site on Front Beach and Cobb Roads in Panama City Beach for $1,050,000. Cole Whitaker, partner who heads the Southeast Division of Hendricks-Berkadia in Orlando, negotiated the transaction with associate partner Hal Warren representing the seller, Redus Florida Land, LLC. Lakeshore Capital Investments acquired the site.

Hendricks-Berkadia Negotiates Sales of Community Development Sites in Vero Beach, Palm Bay to D.R. Horton

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks-Berkadia which ranks as one of the leading multi-family investment banking and research companies in the nation, recently negotiated the sales of two residential tracts in Vero Beach and Palm Bay to D.R. Horton, Inc. Cole Whitaker, Partner who heads Hendricks-Berkadia in the Southeast and Senior Partner Hal Warren negotiated both transactions. D.R. Horton Inc. acquired 116 residential home sites in the Westfield Subdivision in Vero Beach for $1,279,902. Whitaker and Warren represented the seller, Capstone Resdev, LLC. Whitaker and Warren represented Capstone Resdev again in the sale of 155 residential home sites at Parkside West in Palm Bay. D.R. Horton paid $2,319,121 for the property.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completed design work on Mills Park Center off U.S. 17-92 in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Construction is underway at the new Mills Park residential and mixed use project located off U.S. 17-92 at Mills and Virginia Avenues in Orlando. Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park completed the design work on an 22,000 square foot Fresh Market facility there, and more than 42,000 square feet earmarked for restaurants and retail shops that Cuhaci & Peterson also designed, according to Lonnie Peterson, chairman of firm.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completes design of new Walgreens in Tampa

ORLANDO, Fla – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed design work on a new Walgreens, located on Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of the firm, said the new Walgreens store will offer 15,000 square feet of space and is now under construction. The developer is Regency Centers based in Jacksonville. Walgreens is the first phase of a major redevelopment project in the area and Cuhaci & Peterson will be designing other retail facilities there including renovation of a canopy.

ICI Homes starts construction of two new model homes at Greenleaf Preserve at Nocatee in Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. --- ICI Homes has started construction of two new model homes at Greenleaf Preserve at Nocatee in Ponte Vedra. Don Wilford, north Florida division president for ICI Homes, said the Biltmore model home offers five bedrooms and four baths in 6,509 square feet of living space, along with a three-car garage. The Biltmore model home, which features an open floor plan with dining room, gathering room, kitchen and morning rooms flowing into the oversized covered porch. The model home has the optional second floor game room, bedrooms four and five, full bath and a large covered balcony. The base price of the Biltmore starts at $422,900. The Allegheny model home offers four bedrooms and four baths in 3,802 square feet of living space with a three-car garage. The Allegheny model also offers a grand parlor, dining salon, kitchen and café that open to the expansive lanai with optional cabana for superior outdoor living. The base price of the Allegheny will be priced from $459,900. Both models are slated to be completed in June. Wilford said ICI Homes plans to build 41 new single family homes priced from the low $400s at Greenleaf Preserve at Nocatee.

Meritage Homes Names New Sales Consultant

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has named Omar Watson sales trainee working out of Hammock Reserve in Oviedo. Brian Kittle, division vice president for Meritage Homes, said Watson is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida. Meritage Homes builds new homes in 15 communities throughout the Orlando region with from two to eight bedrooms priced from the low $100s to the high $700s.

Meritage Homes Opens New Community in Apopka

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes opened its newest community Fisher Plantation located on Shopke-Lester Rd. off Plymouth-Sorrento Rd. in Apopka in northwest Orange County. Brian Kittle, division vice president for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said Meritage has 41 home sites at Fisher Plantation for homes ranging from 3,082 square feet of living area to 5,107 square feet, priced from the high-$200s. A new model — the Palermo — is now under construction and will be ready for viewing in June. The Palermo will offer five bedrooms and four baths in 3,082 square feet of living area.

New Release from Sundog Software Makes Virtual Oceans Come Alive For Simulation, Game Developers

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The newest software release from Sundog Software LLC combines real oceanographic research with advanced mathematics and the latest graphics technology to make virtual oceans come alive for developers of training simulators and video games. Frank Kane, founder of Sundog Software, said Version 2.1 of Sundog’s Triton Ocean SDK software library, used by developers worldwide to add realistic 3D water effects to games, simulations, and training applications, offers unparalleled realism in the look and action of ocean forces. And the closer you get, the better it looks. “Triton 2.1 simulates literally tens of thousands of waves at once, and adds them together in every frame with a technique called inverse fast Fourier transform (FFT) to produce highly realistic swells, spray, and wind waves based on a real physical simulation,” Kane explained. “We’re using real oceanographic research to power real-time water effects with a stunning level of realism. That’s as important for game developers as it is for maritime training simulators---what trainees see on the monitors is almost exactly what they will see on the ocean,” Kane said. Sundog’s Triton 2.1 applies the latest physical models for ocean waves---Pierson-Moskowitz and JONSWAP---to tens of thousands of waves at once, at hundreds of frames per second. With Triton 2.1, game and simulation developers can add swells from distant storms and can even simulate fetch length---the effect of how far wind has traveled on the waves in the scene. Sundog’s Triton Ocean SDK software library is already popular with video game companies and large military contractors, and has been purchased by the US Navy and the Federal Aviation Administration. Demos, videos, and evaluation kits are available from Sundog’s website at http://www.sundog-soft.com/ Sundog Software is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

PulteGroup in South Florida Honors Top Salesperson for March

Bonita Springs, Fla. --- PulteGroup in South Florida has named Karen Nichols its Top Sales Consultant for March, working out of the community of VillageWalk of Bonita Springs. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of PulteGroup, said Nichols sold the highest number of new homes among all PulteGroup communities and brands in the South Florida division which includes Pulte Homes, Centex Homes, DiVosta Homes and Del Webb brands. Nichols has been with DiVosta Homes and PulteGroup for two-and-a-half years. The Chicago area native holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Western Illinois University and has more than 15 years of experience in the home building industry. Nichols currently sells new two and three-bedroom single-family homes by DiVosta priced from the $190s in ten distinctive designs at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs located on Umiak Court off Bonita Beach Road S.E. east of I-75 in Bonita Springs. PulteGroup ranks as one of the nation’s largest home builders and community developers.

ICI Homes to Host Realtor Open House April 11 to Showcase Manchester Model Home at Tidewater in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Fla. --- ICI Homes will host an open house for Jacksonville-area realtors on Thursday, April 11 to showcase the new 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 event from 5 to 7 p.m. is open to Jacksonville-area realtors and brokers Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be plentiful and Wilford said he plans to hold a drawing for door prizes. The five-bedroom Manchester model home at Tidewater offers three-and-a-half baths in 3,277 square feet of luxury living space along with an upstairs game room and loft. The Manchester model boasts an enormous master suite downstairs, a formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen and breakfast nook that opens onto a huge family gathering room with a fireplace. With its two-car garage, the Manchester is base-priced from $299,900. ICI Homes plans to build 66 new homes at Tidewater in 20 distinctive and customizable floor plans priced from the $200s. Tidewater features a community swimming pool, fitness center and children’s playground.

Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell to Help Sponsor Poker Run for Cancer Patient

BUNNELL – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell is helping to sponsor a benefit poker run on April 20 for Sam Leonard, a well-known motorcycle enthusiast who recently was diagnosed with lung cancer. Sam Leonard, and her husband, Leo, have been involved in numerous benefit poker runs to help other individuals and organizations. Now, Leonard is facing expensive medical treatment with no health insurance, according to David Sweat, a partner in the personal-injury firm and an avid motorcycle rider. “Leo and Sam have donated their own money and helped organize similar events for many others, and now it’s our turn to help them,” he said. Registration for the run – at $10 a hand – will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at the White Eagle Lounge, U.S. Highway 1 in Bunnell, where free breakfast and $1 Bloody Marys and mimosas will be available. Included will be a 50/50 game, live and silent auctions, raffles and awards for the best and worst poker hands. After making stops, the last bike will check in at 3:30 p.m. at the Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach, where live music will be provided by country rocker Bobby Scott until 5 p.m. For details or more information, visit www.rueziffra.com or contact Sherry Fletcher at 386-235-3172.

Hendricks-Berkadia Negotiates sale of three apartment properties — 1,130 units —for $62 million

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks-Berkadia Real Estate Advisors, which ranks as one of the leading multi-family investment banking and research companies in the nation, recently negotiated the sale of three apartment properties in Bradenton and Orlando that total some 1,130 units and valued at close to $62 million. Cole Whitaker, partner who heads the Southeast Division of Hendricks-Berkadia, negotiated all three transactions with associate partner Hal Warren and vice president Jason Stanton. The three sales brought $61,780,000. Hendricks-Berkadia represented the seller in all three transactions. Whitaker and Warren negotiated the sale of Braden Lakes Apartment Homes on 50th Avenue West in Bradenton for $14,280,000 representing seller Situs, LLC. Lexsignia LLC acquired the property comprising 264 units in 16 two-story garden style buildings and a clubhouse. Whitaker and Warren represented Situs, LLC in a second sale of The Cornerstone Apartments with 430 units on S. Conway Rd. in Orlando for $23 million. Robbins Property Associates LLC, acquired the property with a total of 317,190 rentable square feet on 27 acres. Whitaker and Warren negotiated the $24,500,000 sale of Park Baldwin Palms at 2250 N. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando representing seller Everglades Partners, LLC. Covenant Capital Group, LLC acquired the property with 436 apartments situated in 38 two-story garden-style buildings on 21.8 acres.

DiMucci raising roof for new headquarters facility on Dunlawton Blvd in Daytona Beach Shores

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. --- The DiMucci Companies, which is completing its new million dollar plus headquarters facility on Dunlawton Blvd. in Daytona Beach Shores, is completing construction of the roof on the 3,500 square foot building. Anthony DiMucci, who heads the DiMucci Companies, said the two-story facility will open in about 30 days.

D.A. Points is Golden Bear Club’s Newest PGA Star with Win at Shell Houston PGA Open

ORLANDO, Fla. --- When D.A. Points clinched his second career PGA victory with a 13-foot putt at the Shell Houston Open in Humble, Texas last weekend, the clubhouse crowd at the Golden Bear Club at Windermere’s Keene’s Pointe let our a resounding cheer. Or, maybe two. Points is the second Golden Bear Club member to win a PGA tournament this year---Brian Gay posted his fourth career win at the Humana Challenge in La Quinta, California in January. Matthew Allen, general manager and director of golf at The Golden Bear Club at Keene's Pointe, said the clubhouse was packed for the tournament. “The Golden Bear Club is a very special community,” Allen said. “We have some serious golfers here. When we aren’t playing, we’re studying the game. And watching one of our friends win a PGA tournament is the next best thing to winning one ourselves,” he said. The 38-year-old Points, a homeowner at Keene’s Pointe and a popular member of the Golden Bear Club, shot 16 under for the tournament and 66 in the final round of the Shell Houston open with a clutch par putt on 18. “D.A. Points is highly respected and well loved,” Allen said. “We’re all anxious to congratulate him.”

Grand Opening held for Marketplace in Delray, Cuhaci & Peterson completes design work

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design work on major projects at the Marketplace in Delray Beach. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson, said the firm completed design work on a 45,000 square foot Publix supermarket and 154,147 square feet of retail shops at the center located at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Lyons Road in Delray Beach. A grand opening at the plaza was held recently and Publix is now open.

Veteran Logistics Executive, U.S. Army Commander Mark A. Ferris Joins Kissimmee based Luhse Tea’s Advisory Board

Kissimmee, Fla. -- Veteran logistics executive Mark A. Ferris has joined the Board of Advisors at Luhse Tea LLC, the Kissimmee-based retailer of fine imported teas and tea accessories that set out to demolish the stodgy stereotype normally associated with teas. Ferris, a retired U.S. Army commander, managed global distribution and supply chains, transportation operations, international and interagency logistics, and strategic logistics during his career. Brittney Wholihan, co-founder of Luhse Tea, said Ferris served as Director of Logistics in Saudi Arabia and as the Iraq Country Lead for one of the Department of Defense's largest and most critical acquisition programs. "With 26 years of experience in long-range logistical planning and distribution, Mr. Ferris brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Luhse Tea’s Board of Advisors,” Wholihan said. Ferris formerly served as the commander of a logistics battalion supporting U.S. and Collation operations in Afghanistan. “Mark Ferris will play a big role in our growth and the expansion of the Luhse Tea brand,” Wholihan added. Luhse Tea is a client member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program’s Kissimmee incubator.

Pulte Homes to Host Model Home Open House and Muscle Car Show April 20 at The Plantation and Bridgetown in Fort Myers

Fort Myers, Fla. -- Pulte Homes will host a model home open house and a muscle car show at two locations in Fort Myers April 20: The Plantation and Bridgetown, both located off Treeline Avenue between Daniels Parkway and Colonial Blvd. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte Homes, said five model homes will be showcased at The Plantation and three model homes at Bridgetown. The West Coast Muscle Car Club will be showcasing a collection of vintage and muscle cars at each community where guests can also enjoy live music and refreshments from 1 to 3 p.m. and admission is free, Mairn said.

Innovative Software Products Offers Turnkey Solution to Turn on Startup Companies’ Online Enterprises Affordably

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Innovative Software Products, Inc. (ISP) in Orlando has launched a turnkey package of affordable web services that startup companies and aspiring online publishers will find hard to pass up: a rich, powerful do-it-yourself web site ISP will set up, configure, host and manage with any of the world’s most popular open source content management systems--Drupal, Wordpress or Joomla!. Adam Jones, president of Innovative Software Products, Inc., said the turnkey package is perfect for startup companies and ISP has a startup price to match---packages start at $199.95 a year and that’s everything included. But ISP’s managed hosting services apply just as well to larger, more established companies, even those with online sales to international customers, video postings or up-to-the-minute schedules. “Costs increase as a client’s space needs increase,” Jones said. “The PHP platform technology is scalable so we could accommodate very complex enterprises, from whole TV stations, newspapers, or airlines, for example, to an individual marketing a small clothing line,” he said. Jones said Drupal, Wordpress and Joomla! content management systems make it easy for average people to manage whole web sites. “Once we do the heavy lifting it takes a couple minutes to get started and before long anyone who can email an attachment competently can operate a complex web site,” Jones said. Ten years ago, the same service might have cost companies thousands of dollars. “The hard work of setting up, configuring, and day to day management of hardware and software is done, A customer of ISP can focus on marketing and content and leave the rest to us” he said. Jones should know better than most. ISP is a leading provider of custom retail software solutions for the banking, insurance, financial services and medical industries. Innovative Software Products, Inc. is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and located in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

DiVosta Homes Opens New Nautica Model Town Home at Windsor Park at Abacoa in Jupiter

JUPITER, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes has opened the new three-bedroom Nautica model town home at Windsor Park at Abacoa in Jupiter. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of DiVosta Homes said the professionally decorated Nautica model features an updated consumer-inspired layout. “The Nautica includes a spectacular selection of personalized designer options offered by DiVosta in Windsor Park at Abacoa,” Mairn said. With two-and-a-half baths, private patio and a rear entry two car garage, the Nautica floor plan is as elegant as it is practical. “The Nautica makes the most of the new home options offered by DiVosta in Windsor Park at Abacoa,” Mairn said. Priced from $300,000, the two-story 1,831 square foot Nautica model town home features designer touches and a wide selection of consumer-inspired upgrades that include stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, 42-inch maple cabinets, granite countertops, hickory wood flooring, crown molding and eight-foot doors. A huge island kitchen serves the patio, a breakfast nook as well as a formal dining room and great room. Upstairs, the well-appointed owner’s suite with balcony is separated from two additional bedrooms for privacy. Abacoa is located on Indian Creek Parkway in Jupiter and the community features a state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool, community center with activity room and catering kitchen.

Ryland Homes breaks ground in new community, The Enclave at Ramble Creek in Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ryland Homes Tampa Division recently broke ground on its newest community of The Enclave at Ramble Creek, located off Rhodine Rd. and Hwy. 301 in Tampa Mike Finley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Tampa Division of Ryland Homes, said 85 home sites are available for homes ranging from 1,679 square feet of living area to 2,984 square feet. A new model that will be completed in May is now underway offering up to four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,780 square feet of living area. Visit www.ryland.com/tampa.

Lennar to host grand opening at North Pointe Community April 27

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds town homes, single-family homes, vacation homes, active adult homes and the new NextGen® homes for multi-generational families in 27 Orlando-area communities, will host a grand opening April 27 from noon to 3 p.m. at North Pointe, Lennar’s newest community located off Boggy Creek Rd. near Lake Nona. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said construction is now underway on the first model home at North Pointe. Lennar plans to build single family homes with four to seven bedrooms at North Pointe including Lennar’s NextGen® homes. New homes will range in size from 1,900 square feet of living space to 4,000 square feet on 60' and 80' homesites. Lennar’s NextGen® homes are designed to accommodate families that may include elderly grandparents or adult children with their own children, Metheny said. “Single-family homes, and NextGen homes – a home within a home giving both generations privacy and autonomy – are priced from the $230’s,” Metheny explained. Visit www.Lennar.com.

Volusia Building Industry Assn. Parade of Homes honors Riviera Bella in DeBary 4th Time

DEBARY, Fla. --- For the fourth time, Riviera Bella was named the ‘best’ community in the Volusia Building Industry Association’s annual Parade of Homes. Made up of three villages – luxury estates, urban homes, and patio homes – the Riviera Bella community in DeBary was singled out for praise as the No. 1 community in the annual Parade. “We’re pleased with the honor and will continue to do our best to maintain our performance as the best community in Volusia and one of the best communities in Central Florida,” said Jerome Henin, president of the Henin Group which is developing Riviera Bella. The award winning Riviera Bella community overlooks the St. Johns River off Fort Florida Road, west of the 17-92 and Highbanks Road intersection in DeBary.

TOP BROKER FOR MARCH RECOGNIZED BY RIVIERA BELLA

Annette Scisciani with Gallery of Homes in Lake Mary was recognized by Henin Homes as the top realtor-broker for sales of homes during the first quarter at the Riviera Bella community on the St. Johns River in DeBary. Matt Boltz, vice president of Henin Homes Inc, said Scisciani sold more than $1 million in homes during the first quarter at the Riviera Bella community.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Industrial Lease of 25,260 square feet for New York based firm at Southridge Industrial Park

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 25,260 square feet of warehouse space at the Southridge Industrial Park, 9401 Southridge Park Court in Orlando. Michael Heidrich, principal at the firm, and associate Michael Heidrich, Jr., negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, Rent-A-PC, Inc., of Hauppague, N.Y. Local landlord EastGroup Properties, LP was represented in the transaction by Mike Borling.

Animation Producer Ninjaneer Studios Creates Virtual Stages for New Opera The Red Silk Thread

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Ninjaneer Studios, which creates animation and projection mapping content, has produced a line of virtual sets for a new full-length opera, The Red Silk Thread, by composer Dr. Stella Sung and librettist Ernest Hilbert. Joe Rosa, director of Ninjaneer Studios, said the premiere performances are scheduled for April 11-12, 7:30 p.m. in Stamps Auditorium at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Dr. Sung (University of Michigan alumna, B.M, 1982) will return to the UM School of Music to work with students during the week of the performances. The opera’s staging utilizes 3D projection mapping technology, a new creative medium where digitally created content is projected onto physical objects, giving the illusion that the surface is being transformed, Rosa explained. By employing this technology to display stunning vistas of 13th century Asia, the opera gains an epic scope, which would be otherwise unattainable, Rosa said, adding that the virtual sets also allow stages to be reset between scenes instantly, and do not leave behind any physical set to be disposed of at the end of the show’s run. Ninjaneer Studios is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs, Florida.

Ashton Wood Homes Showcasing Two Move-In Ready Homes at Laureate Park in Southeast Orlando area

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes now has two showcase/move-in ready homes available for viewing at Laureate Park, located off Tavistock Lakes Blvd. in Lake Nona, the master planned community in Southeast Orlando. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said the new model homes are part of the home builder’s Traditions product line featuring traditional back yards. Both models have four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 2,721 and 2,722 square feet of living space with a “unique cutting edge design,” Roche said. The new model homes are priced from $374,990. Ashton Woods Homes has 17 home sites available in the first phase of its Traditions release at Laureate Park. 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.

Kings Ridge Men's Golf Association 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit the Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. -- Kings Ridge Men's Golf Association will host the 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit The Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont on Monday, April 29, on the Kings Ridge Kings Course. Jay Scruggs, general manager at Kings Ridge Golf Club, said the tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Registration will commence at 7 a.m. Mike Conley Hospice House is supported by The Cornerstone Hospice Foundation. Tournament organizer Chuck Durkin said sponsors are still being accepted for hole sponsorships at $150. Donations for prizes and auction items are also being accepted. Registration to play in the tournament is $50. Lee Williamson, head golf instructor at Kings Ridge Golf Club, said past tournaments have generated nearly $140,000 for The Mike Conley Hospice House. King’s Ridge Golf Club is located at 1950 Kings Ridge Blvd. in Clermont off U.S. 27 five miles south of S.R. 40.

Law Firm Marketing Director Makes “40 Under 40” List of Business Leaders

PORT ORANGE – Jessica Eckelbarger, marketing director for the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, has been named to the Volusia/Flagler Business Report’s “40 Under 40” list of up-and-coming business leaders. The honor recognizes 40 Volusia and Flagler County individuals under the age of 40 who not only stand out in their professions, but also shine in the community for their volunteer work. Nominations for the annual list were garnered from both readers and staff members of the business publication. “Jessica is a wonderful addition to our company,” said firm President Allan L. Ziffra. “With her extensive event-planning and promotions experience she hit the ground running when she got here and hasn’t slowed down yet.” With the personal-injury firm since March 2011, Eckelbarger, 29, focuses on promoting the company through advertising and news releases, as well as coordinating its philanthropic endeavors including sponsorship of numerous community and charitable events. A graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Eckelbarger also serves on boards of the Children’s Home Society North Coastal Division and the Junior League of Daytona Beach. About Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell: Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

VBIA Parade of Homes Pays Off for Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange, Where Parade Model Sells on Opening Day

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- Winston James Development, the developers of The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange, hoped the Volusia Building Industry Association’s annual Parade of Homes would show off its best model home to prospective home buyers and it did just that. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Development and Jamie Allan Adley, partner and president of The Villages of Royal Palm, reported its Windsor Plus model home sold on the parade’s opening day. The three-bedroom, three bath Windsor Plus model home offers a den in 2,416 square feet of living space along with a two car garage priced from $343,929. Schwartz added Winston-James has started construction of a new Windsor Plus model home.