MERITAGE HOMES OPENS WATERFORD CREEK

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes has opened its newest community of Waterford Creek with 57 homesites located on Hancock Lone Palm Road off SR 50 in east Orlando. Brian Kittle, division vice president at Meritage Homes, said new homes at Waterford Creek will range from 2,581 square feet of living area to 3,467 square feet, priced from the high $200s. Meritage Homes currently has a model home under construction at Waterford Creek priced in the $300,000 range. The four bedroom, two-and-a-half bath model home will be completed and open for viewing this July.

Meritage Homes promotes Joe Kathman to scheduling manager

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has promoted Joe Kathman to scheduling and continuous improvement (SCI) manager. Brian Kittle, division vice president for Meritage Homes in the Orlando area said Kathman, a graduate of Fredonia State University in Fredonia, N.Y., has been with Meritage Homes for five years as a construction manager.

NAI Realvest negotiates renewals, expansion leases totaling 35,060 square feet at five CommerCenters in Central Florida

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Michael Heidrich principal at NAI Realvest negotiated six lease agreements totaling 35,060 square feet of industrial space at five CommerCenters in Central Florida. At Monroe CommerCenter South 4150 Church St., Heidrich represented the landlord in a renewal lease of 14,504 square feet with Shields Environmental Services. Heidrich negotiated two lease agreements in Hanging Moss CommerCenter at 6100 and 6124 Hanging Moss Rd. in Orlando representing the landlord. Tenant Black & Decker, Inc. represented by David Murphy of CBRE renewed a lease of 4,000 square feet and RTR Suppliers Inc. represented by Matt Bates of Homevest Realty renewed 9,000 square feet. Heidrich represented the landlord at Goldenrod CommerCenter in an expansion agreement with Black Forge LLC for 4,412 square feet at 1468 N. Goldenrod Rd. in Southeast Orlando. ERC General Contracting Services, Inc. renewed a lease of 1,875 square feet at 890 Carter Rd. in the Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden. At Poinciana CommerCenter East in Kissimmee, Heidrich represented landlord Small Bay Partners in a renewal agreement with Lube Brokers, LLC for 1,269 square feet at 1745 Business Center Lane.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Office Retail and Industrial leases totaling 7,150 square feet

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated leases totaling 7,150 square feet of office/retail, office and industrial space at in Orlando, Winter Park and Southeast Orlando. Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered all three transactions representing the landlords. Romanoff Floor Covering, Inc. of Smyrna, Ga. leased 3,000 square feet of industrial space at Airport Industrial Center, 7466 Narcoossee Rd. Airport Investment Properties of Columbus, Ohio is the landlord. HISFO, Inc. of Orlando leased 2,800 square feet of office/retail space at the Herndon Center, 615-A and B Herndon Avenue in Orlando. The landlord is Winter Park-based LBJ Properties. Florida Frame House of Winter Park leased 1,350 square feet of office space at Winter Park Commerce Center where the landlord is W.F.I., LLP.

Henin Homes names Mike Kalin, Chief Financial Officer

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Henin Homes has appointed veteran building executive Mike Kalin, chief financial officer. Jerome Henin, president of Henin Homes, Inc said Mike has more than 38 years of experience in the construction industry, including 18 years in the home building industry. Mike is a graduate of Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Henin also named Sue Dingle, executive construction coordinator; she has 15 years of experience and Roch Vaillancourt, graphics and marketing coordinator. He has 10 years of experience.

Winston-James Development negotiates lease for financial consulting firm at Aloma Business Center in Winter Park

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Winston-James Development, based in South Daytona, recently negotiated a lease agreement for 938 square feet of office space at its Aloma Business Center on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development said OSS Office Support Services, a certified “Quick Book” financial consulting firm leased the office space. The company is relocating from Winter Springs, Schwartz said.

ICI Homes Appoints David Hensley, William Smith as Builders in Kissimmee, Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, Fla. -- ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most active luxury home builders and developers of exclusive resort and country club communities in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, Kissimmee and Tampa, recently appointed David Hensley and William Smith as builders. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes said Hensley, who has been building homes since 1983, was formerly a builder for WCI Communities. He holds an Associates Degree in Computer Network Administration from Keiser College. Hensley will direct home building efforts at Avilla and Cypress Reserve in Kissimmee, Messina said. Smith, a Delaware native and Ormond Beach resident, formerly served as a luxury home builder with Arthur Rutenberg Homes.

ICI Homes appoints Rodregus McFarland Sales Consultant at Tidewater in Jacksonville area

JACKSONVILLE Fla. -- ICI Homes, which builds luxury homes in 20 distinctive floor plans priced from the $200s to the high $300s at Tidewater, a gated, themed community located in Northeast Jacksonville, has appointed Rodregus McFarland sales consultant at Tidewater. Don Wilford, Northeast Florida Division President for ICI Homes, said McFarland attended Georgia Southwestern University and Florida State University and has more than 12 years of experience in sales at Fortune 500 companies including IBM, AT&T, and Sprint. McFarland sold condominiums, town homes and single-family homes in Atlanta, where he holds a Georgia brokers license. He earned his Florida real estate brokers license last year.

Three Luxury Homes Earn Top Awards for ICI Homes in Northeast Florida Builders Assn.’s 2013 Parade of Homes

Jacksonville, Fla. --- Three new luxury homes earned top awards for builder ICI Homes during the recent Northeast Florida Builders Association’s 2013 Parade of Homes. Don Wilford, President of ICI Homes in Northeast Florida, said the Plantation II Model Home at Magnolia Preserve at Julington Creek earned the luxury community developer the Parade’s Gold Award as the finest new home in its price range. With four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 3,160 square feet of space, the Plantation II model home at Magnolia Preserve at Julington Creek features an elegant formal dining room, chef’s kitchen, enormous lanai, grand gathering room and luxurious owner’s suite, along with a three-car garage. Two luxury homes earned ICI Homes Silver Awards: the two-story, Scottish-inspired Nottingham home at Highland Glen, located in the heart of Jacksonville off Beach Blvd. three miles east of I-295, and the Preakness V model home at Amelia National Golf & Country Club. The Nottingham model home at Highland Glen offers four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 3,888 square feet of living space with a large kitchen, nook and covered porch and 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. With four bedrooms and three baths in 2,752 square feet of space and a three-car garage, the Preakness V Parade home features a 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. Those are just some of the features that appealed to Parade judges, Wilford said.

Forman Capital LLC to Triple its Commercial Real Estate Loan Volume This Year to $60 million

PALM BEACH, Fla. – Forman Capital, LLC in Palm Beach reported it loaned almost $20 million last year to finance real estate acquisition and development projects and the private lender expects to triple that figure this year. Founded by entrepreneur Brett D. Forman in 2004, Forman Capital LLC targets middle market borrowers with an entrepreneurial platform that combines real estate underwriting and analysis of traditional credit metrics with creativity and speed. Forman Capital lends money for situational and bridge loans as well as subordinate debt financing, preferred equity and note acquisitions in the $2.5 million to $15 million range. Forman said he gets the best deals because his firm is able to respond quickly and effectively across a wide range of real estate asset classes. “And we structure our deals to provide sustainable solutions and certainty of execution,” he explained. Last year, Forman provided $2.5 million to acquire a 144-unit South Carolina multifamily property in less than two weeks. A $1.55 million loan to acquire a non-performing note secured by a first mortgage on a 65-room Holiday Inn Express in Atlanta took just four days. Three years ago, Forman established a local landmark when he acquired an abandoned office building on South Ocean Blvd. in Palm Beach, redeveloped it and reopened it as a fashionable address that now includes BankUnited, Forman’s headquarters and medical facilities for the not-for-profit Bethesda Hospital, a pharmacy, physical therapist, salon/spa and more than a dozen businesses and professionals along with the Palm Beach Executive Center, a full service turnkey executive suite operation. “We’re direct lenders and we are investors and developers,” Forman said. “We participate in value added projects that meet the needs of the community.”

Royal Oak Homes to host grand opening June 6 to showcase four bedroom Baldwin model at Vista Grande in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes will host a grand opening June 6 to showcase the new Baldwin model home at Vista Grande, located off Lakeshore Road in Clermont. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the Baldwin model home offers four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 2,800 square feet of living space with a two car garage. The design affords the option for two additional bedrooms and a three car garage. With a large island kitchen and interfacing family room, dining nook and large covered lanai, the Baldwin model home offers wide open family living space. For social occasions, a formal dining room and living room are located off the home’s foyer. Royal Oak plans to build 88 new three, four, five, six and seven bedroom homes at Vista Grande priced from the low $200s. New Royal Oak homes at Vista Grande range in size from 2,200 square feet of living space to 4,700 square feet.

Housing Sales on the Rise: Royal Oak Homes Starts Construction of 36 Ready-To-Move-In Homes in Nine Orlando Communities

Orlando, Fla. -- Rising sales of new homes in Central Florida are prompting one of the region’s premier home builders to launch a major building campaign: Royal Oak Homes has started construction of 36 new single-family homes in nine communities in Orange, Lake, Osceola and Polk counties. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, said all 36 ready-to-move-in homes will open in the summer at Breckenridge near Apopka, Sorrento Springs in Sorrento, Blue Lake Estates in Eustis, Vista Grande, Barrington Estates and Hammock Reserve in Clermont, Ashebrook in Davenport, Hammock Trails in Kissimmee and Mallard Pond in St. Cloud. The new three, four, and five-bedroom homes range in size from 1,500 square feet of living space to 4,700 square feet, Orosz said. Prices for the new homes will start from the $150s. “We are seeing steady growth in new home sales and visits to our sales centers by prospective home buyers,” Orosz said. “We anticipate the market for new homes will increase more this year.” 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.

Royal Oak Homes has record April, and sales at $22 million for first quarter

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes, based in Baldwin Park, ended April with a record 37 sales valued at $9 million. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes said the $9 million covered sales at eight communities in Central Florida. For the first quarter, Royal Oak reported sales of $22 million Orosz said the homebuilder recently held a grand opening [May 23] at Avalon Reserve with 66 home sites available in the community located in Winter Garden at Avalon and Marsh Roads. Homes at Avalon Reserve range in size from 2,300 square feet of living area to 4,700 square feet with prices starting from the $270s. Orosz added that one fully-furnished model is ready for viewing at Avalon Reserve -- the Parker with 4,700 square feet of living area, priced at $369,000. 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.

Park Square Homes Names New Purchasing Analyst, Sales Consultant and Marketing Coordinator

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has appointed a new purchasing analyst, a sales consultant and a marketing coordinator. Vishaal Gupta, president of Park Square Homes said Jeanine Martin is the new purchasing analyst. She has more than 15 years of experience. Adams Bennett has been appointed sales associate and has more than four years of experience in residential sales. Bennett was formerly with Centex Homes in resort sales. New marketing coordinator is Yuri Sosa, a recent graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in graphic design.

Park Square Homes Names New Sales Marketing Director, New International Sales Director

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has appointed veteran home builder executive Michael Sferes as sales and marketing director. Vishaal Gupta, president of Park Square Homes said Sferes has more than 22 years of experience in sales and marketing. He formerly served as regional vice president of sales and marketing for D.R. Horton and was also affiliated with K. Hovnanian and Centex Homes. Gupta also named Dominic Pickering director of international sales. Pickering has more than nine years of experience and was formerly associated with MRI Overseas Property in different roles including managing director overseeing worldwide operations.

Del Webb Naples readies for a busy summer season – Doubles Explore Del Webb Villas to Accommodate More Visitors

AVE MARIA, Fla. -- Del Webb Naples, the popular active adult community located on Anthem Parkway in Ave Maria, saw a busier-than-usual winter season and expects to see the increase in visitors continue in the months ahead. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for Del Webb in south Florida, said Del Webb Naples opened two new Explore Del Webb villas recently to accommodate a surge in summer visitors. Mairn said four fully furnished Explore Del Webb villas in the iconic resort community can host as many as 600 guests during the summer season. “We were very busy during the entire winter season and we anticipate visits during the summer season will be way up as well,” Mairn explained. Prospective home buyers at Del Webb Naples are invited to stay in a fully furnished home with an equipped kitchen and enjoy a wide range of community amenities, including full use of the new Oasis Club, a complimentary round of golf for two on the pristine 18-hole Panther Run Golf Course, a 25 percent discount on all pro-shop merchandise, and a free Player's Club membership with a $25 Match Play certificate good at the nearby Seminole Casino Immokalee; “Buying a home at Del Webb Naples is an important decision and many people would prefer to try it out first,” Mairn said. “Our residents are our best ambassadors,” Mairn said. “This is a very friendly community and our residents don’t mind sharing their good news — and their experiences — with visitors and guests,” he added. The three bedroom villas, which offer 1,641 to 1,911 square feet of luxury living space with a two-car garage, are available for sale starting from the $200s. Del Webb builds two and three bedroom single family homes at Del Webb Naples that range in size from 1,157 square feet of living space to 2,488 square feet priced from $157,100. The Del Webb Naples Oasis Club boasts a resort-style swimming pool, dedicated lap pool, a spa, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, pickleball courts, an amphitheatre, state-of-the-art fitness center, a café, library, and a catering kitchen, along with an aerobics room, sauna and steam rooms, fire pit, and activity and craft rooms. Visit www.delwebb.com

University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program Companies on Colonial Drive Have Growth Spurt

ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program on Colonial Drive seems to be bursting at the seams. But, according to Site Manager Melissa Wasserman; that’s a good thing. Wasserman said five of the incubator’s 16 companies hired a total of 10 new employees during March and April. The positions range from interns, administrative assistants and sales reps to drivers, event coordinators and computer specialists. “It is exciting to see our companies growing and hiring in a down economy. It increases morale in the Incubator. These entrepreneurs are beating the odds by working hard and growing smart. And it has a tangible impact on the local workforce as well,” she said. Growing Synergy, a sustainable food and agriculture consulting and distribution company, has hired five employees: a driver, an event coordinator, a communications intern, and two administrative assistants, and Lucid Technical Solutions, a technology staffing firm, welcomed two new sales reps. The other three companies, VGlobalTech, a professional web design, online marketing and brand building company; Multiplying talents, a company that assists with grant writing and non-profit status procurement; and Rogan Marketing and Communications, each brought one new employee on board during the two-month period. Company owners like Aretha Olivarez of Multiplying Talents are excited about their hew hires and the indication of an upward tick in the local economy. “Our company is steadily growing, and we needed an employee with IT skills to help us with the changes in our industry,” she said. Pamela Rogan of Rogan Marketing and Communications has hired a marketing assistant from Workforce Central Florida with hopes that he will become a permanent employee by the end of his three-month trial period in June. “This [the incubator] is not just office space,” she said. “It’s a place that provides ongoing support and that raises my comfort level, as well as meeting the requirements of the Workforce Central Florida program.” By hiring five new employees, Growing Synergy Managing Partner Rebecca Reis-Miller said it feels good to give back to the very community that she is trying to change by offering locally-grown foods. “Even though we’ve only made a small change in the unemployment rate, if we can bring just this small portion full circle, it will dramatically improve the synergy we strive to produce. “

GreenPath Energy Solutions Inks Licensing Agreement to Sell Award-Winning NorthWrite Energy Management Software

Orlando, Fla. --- GreenPath Energy Solutions, a supplier of energy efficient building solutions to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings and to make them more sustainable, has entered into a licensing agreement with NorthWrite, Inc., a managed information services firm specializing in the delivery of innovative energy saving technology via their collaborative online software platform called Energy WorkSite - The WorkSite Company, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Samuel Graham, LEED AP, president and chief executive officer at GreenPath Energy Solutions, said the channel reseller agreement provides GreenPath an important web-based software toolkit to help their customers monitor, manage, and optimize energy consumption in commercial buildings. “We work with building owners and managers across the spectrum of commercial, industrial, institutional, and governmental facilities to help them identify and implement energy saving solutions to control their operational, energy, and facility costs. The Energy WorkSite software suite will give GreenPath the flexibility to expand our services to include web-based software tools that seamlessly connect all stakeholders to ensure their energy program meets its savings and sustainability objectives,” Graham explained. “We can now provide every customer with a low cost energy solution that’s comprehensive including energy benchmarking, energy auditing, and monitoring-based commissioning that’s easy to use and delivers the very best ROI,” Graham said. NorthWrite’s EnergyWorkSite is an award-winning, highly acclaimed software suite developed in close cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management with the goal of saving energy in commercial buildings. Energy WorkSite enables building owners, managers, engineers, and consultants to closely monitor and manage energy consumption using real-time energy data, and verifies savings from energy retrofit projects, Graham explained. GreenPath Energy Solutions is a client of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program in Orlando located on East Colonial Drive. For more information about the company and its services, contact them at 321-948-3623 or sgraham@greenpathes.com or visit www.greenpathenergysolutions.com.

First Green Bank Chairman Ken LaRoe Named Finalist to win Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® 2013 Award

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Kenneth E. LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, headquartered in Mount Dora with branch offices in Clermont, Ormond Beach and Downtown Orlando, has been named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® 2013 Award in Florida. Finalists were selected from nearly 80 nominations by a panel of independent judges according to Greg Rosica, Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year Florida program partner. LaRoe, who holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Florida State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, has been a banker since 1982. LaRoe served as founder chairman and chief executive officer of Florida Choice Bank in Eustis until he sold the bank to Alabama National Bancorp in 2006. LaRoe founded First Green Bank in 2009. Rosica said the award program recognizes high-growth entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The award will be presented in Miami on June 13.

Ashton Woods Homes is now selling at Rosedale Country Club, Three models ready for viewing

Bradenton, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has started selling at its community of Rosedale County Club located off 44th Avenue West in Bradenton. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said there are 140 home sites available at Rosedale with three furnished models ready for viewing. Homes at Rosedale range from 1,862 square feet of living space to 2,880 square feet and are priced from the low $300s.

Ashton Woods Homes has only two homes available at its community of Grand Hampton in New Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes is limited to only two homes available for sale at its community of Grand Hampton, located on Dunham Station Drive off County Line Road just west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said the two homes range in size from 2,505 square feet of living area and are priced from $288,000. Grand Hampton features a community clubhouse with multi-use aquatic center, tennis and basketball courts, excessive conservation areas, a park and lakes.

Lennar Homes starts construction of five move-in ready homes at Emerson Park in Ave Maria

AVE MARIA, Fla. --- Lennar Homes has started construction of five move-in ready single family homes priced from the $230s to the $300s at Emerson Park, located off Camp Keais Road south of Immokalee Road. Paul Pelak, new home sales consultant for Lennar Homes at Emerson Park, said all five new homes will be completed and ready for move-in by early June and one will be completed the week of May 20. The new homes range in size from 2,200 square feet of living space to 3,000 square feet. Pelak said that of the five new homes, the two-story Navona is perhaps the most spectacular. The four bedroom Navona plan offers 2,765 square feet of living space with three full baths, two half baths and an open floor plan that features an enormous family leisure and entertainment space that includes a great room, formal dining room, island kitchen with its own private breakfast nook and a covered lanai that totals more than 900 square feet. With a two-car garage, the Navona is priced from $277,470. Lennar is building new three, four and five bedroom homes at Emerson Park in eight different designs from Lennar’s award winning Executive Home collection, which ranges from 1,340 square feet to 3,357 square feet. New Homes at Emerson Park at Ave Maria feature Lennar’s “Everything Included” pledge: extras such as granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile are all included on one Lennar Homes price. Among the amenities at Ave Maria are a community pool, park, picnic area, walking and biking trails are and a town square with restaurants and boutiques. The Welcome Home Center at Emerson Park at Ave Maria located at 4469 Steinbeck Way, Ave Maria, FL 34142 is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5. Call 877 206-8048 for information or visit www.lennar.com.

Food and Beverage team at Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Poinciana participates in American Cancer Society’s 2013 Relay for Life fundraising effort

Kissimmee, Fla. – The Food and Beverage Catering team at Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Poinciana served up refreshments and food recently to support the American Cancer Society’s 2013 Relay for Life fundraising effort. Arto Rahmani, general manager at Stonegate said his team at Mosaics Restaurant in Solivita, participated in last year’s Relay for Life fundraiser. “It’s the second year in a row for us and we are proud to participate in this event,” Rahmani said. Celebration Golf Management operates the Stonegate Golf Club.

NAI Realvest negotiates long term lease for new Caribbean Restaurant on W. Oakridge

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long-term lease of 1,900 square foot retail building located at 2215 West Oak Ridge Rd. in Orlando Juan Jimenez, associate and Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail and investment services for NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease representing the local landlord Shreeji Bawa of Oakridge, LLC. The new tenant, Dieurilus Piere Fils of Kissimmee, has opened a Caribbean restaurant.

NAI Realvest’s Mary Frances West Ranks Among Region’s Top 10 Office Leasing Associates in CFCAR 2013 Hallmark Awards

Maitland, Fla. --- Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West at NAI Realvest in Maitland garnered accolades as one of the region’s Top 10 Office Leasing Associates during the recent Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR) Hallmark Awards. Paul Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, said West joined NAI Realvest seven years ago and consistently ranks among the area’s top commercial office professionals. She has been a commercial real estate broker for 18 years. West earned her Hallmark Top Ten award for posting office property lease and sale transactions that totaled more than $15.8 million in 2012. “Mary Frances West is one of the most highly experienced office specialists in the Central Florida region and she is at the top of her game now,” Partyka said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Office Lease Agreements totaling 6,552 square feet at Centers in Orlando, Maitland and Winter Park

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a four lease agreements for a total of 6,552 square feet of office space at centers in Orlando, Maitland and Winter Park. At Gateway Plaza, 1201 S. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal in the firm, Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM and Associate Chris Adams negotiated a lease for suite 200 with 2,798 square feet representing Landlord Gateway Plaza LLC. Closson Insurance Agency is the new tenant who was represented by Craig Castor of Cresa Orlando. At the Lake Underhill Business Center, Kelley brokered a lease on behalf of the landlord, Harrington/Mishler LLC for 2,100 square feet at 11547 Lake Underhill Rd. where Summit Chiropractic LLC is the new tenant. At 2200 Lucien Way in Maitland Center, West and Kelley negotiated a new lease for suite 320 with 656 square feet representing Landlord Alliance Lucien Way of Warrington, Pa. The new tenant is BEFREE Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Frank Reynolds & Company. Kelley and Adams negotiated a renewal agreement with America Integrity Insurance, LLC, the tenant in suite 142 with 998 square feet at Plaza Central, 6220 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Five Office Leases totaling 6,361 Square Feet at Plaza North in Altamonte

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated five lease agreements for office suites totaling 6,361 square feet in Plaza North on Douglas Avenue in Altamonte Springs. NAI Realvest principal Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM and Associate Chris Adams brokered all five transactions on behalf of the landlord. Four tenants that renewed their occupied space in Plaza North include • Life Care Home Health Services, LLC, with 1,720 square feet in suite 2200 at 385 Douglas Ave., • Patriot Home Funding, Inc. with 1,754 square feet in suite 2500, • American Eagle Irrigation, with 1,643 square feet in suite 6005 at 405 Douglas Ave. and • G & P Association Services, LLC, with 849 square feet in suite 1105 at 445 Douglas Ave. The new local tenant who leased 395 square feet at 455 Douglas Ave., suite 2255B at Plaza North is L’Eveil Massage, LLC.

NAI Realvest negotiates renewal, expansion leases at Monroe CommerCenters North and South totaling 37,379 square feet of Industrial Space

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest negotiated lease agreements totaling 37,379 square feet of industrial space – two at Monroe CommerCenter South and one at Monroe CommerCenter North in Sanford. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, represented landlord Maitland-based COP-Monroe LLC in a renewal lease with Total Mobility and Modification Services, LLC for 6,000 square feet occupied at 719 and 723 Progress Way in Monroe CommerCenter South. Heidrich negotiated an expansion lease of 5,625 square feet at 4140 Flex Court with tenant Facility Services Maintenance, Inc. who already leased 9,375 square feet at Monroe CommerCenter South and now occupies 15,000 square feet with the new space in three adjacent bays. Heidrich represented the same landlord in a relocation and renewal agreement with Dixie Sporting Goods for 4,000 square feet at Monroe CommerCenter South. The tenant, who was represented by Jared Bonshire of Cushman & Wakefield, relocated from 691 to 627 Progress Way under a new entity name of BSN Sports. At Monroe CommerCenter North, 4150 Church St., Heidrich negotiated renewal and expansion agreements on behalf of the landlord COP-Monroe North LLC with tenant SCT Performance LLC who renewed 16,916 square feet already occupied and expanded into an additional 4,848 square feet for a total of 21,754 square feet.

NAI REALVEST NEGOTIATES NEW RETAIL LEASE FOR ONCE UPON A CHILD IN ALTAMONTE SPRINGS

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new retail lease for a new Once Upon A Child store in 3,100 square feet at LA Fitness Plaza at 4046 Montgomery Rd. in Altamonte Springs. Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail services for NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease representing the tenant, Four Chix Outfitters, LLC doing business as Once Upon A Child. The landlord for the retail plaza, Altamonte/SSG, LLC, was represented by Rusty Brantley of Commercial Management Associates. This is the sixth time Birdie has located Florida sites to lease on behalf of Once Upon A Child, a retailer that buys and sells gently used children’s clothing, toys and baby gear.

NAI Realvest Paul P. Partyka is top commercial real estate executive three times at CFCAR Awards

ORLANDO, Fla. – Paul P. Partyka, Managing Partner at NAI Realvest in Maitland, earned a place among the area’s Top Ten Commercial Property Brokers in three separate categories during the recent Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR) Awards Luncheon. Hallmark Award-winner Partyka placed among the Top 10 area retail, industrial and land brokers. Partyka sold and leased properties valued at more than $11 million last year. Typically, commercial property brokers rank high in only one specialty area and less often in two. Partyka, who joined NAI Realvest 13 years ago and formerly served as Mayor of Winter Springs, said he is proud of his three-fer distinction. “Central Florida’s commercial property market is rebounding at a healthy pace and next year I expect the competition will set the bar much higher,” Partyka said.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Names Charlene Larney Trusted Real Estate Advisor at Heathrow Marketing Center

HEATHROW, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Charlene Larney a Trusted Real Estate Advisor at the firm’s Heathrow Marketing Center in Lake Mary. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Larney is an experienced real estate professional whose entrepreneurial spirit sets her apart from other realtors. Larney has more than seven years of experience in real estate marketing research, analysis, management and strategic planning in addition to sales. Soderstrom said Larney will focus on real estate sales in the Oviedo, Geneva, Lake Mary areas and New Smyrna Beach. Her hobbies include music, acting, the outdoors and her family.

Venice-based Omega3 Innovations Launches a New Omega Passion Chocolate Truffle to Replace Fish Oil Capsules

Responding to customers’ requests for an easier-to-eat Omega Passion, the firm released a redesigned chocolate truffle containing as much Omega-3 as one regular fish oil capsule VENICE, Fla. – The founders of bio-tech company Omega3 Innovations believe their newly redesigned chocolate truffle could replace regular fish oil capsules – while satisfying consumers’ cravings for health and treats. Last year, when they created the Omega Passion – a pure non-alkalized dark chocolate truffle that combines high doses of fresh marine omega-3 fish oil and beta-glucan oat fibers – customers couldn’t believe something that tasted so decadent could be so good for them, according to Omega3 Innovations’ co-founder Dr. Bo Martinsen. “We consistently heard from our customers that they loved the Omega Passion, but they wanted to eat it in smaller portions; like one or two bites after lunch and another two after dinner,” he said. “So, we’ve redesigned the Passion into bite-sized pieces to answer that consumer need.” Each chocolate contains 300mg of EPA/DHA, or as much fish oil as one regular capsule – without the fishy taste, Martinsen said. The original Passion chocolates, which contained an effective daily dose of omega-3, were four times the current size, he added. Omega Passion chocolates, which now are available in environmentally-friendly, BPA-free tin boxes containing 20 pieces, are enrobed with 62 percent non-alkalized dark chocolate. They also are gluten-free, diabetic friendly and contain no trans fats. At 49 calories apiece, Omega Passion boasts a powerful combination of not just omega-3 fish oil, but also soluble oat fiber and antioxidants from the non-alkalized dark chocolate, said Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers, co-founder of Omega3 Innovations. The co-founders believe that the synergy of healthy ingredients in the Omega Passion make it more effective than regular fish oil capsules, while serving as an energizing treat and appetite suppressant. “This is the perfect alternative to taking omega-3 fish oil capsules,” said Chalmers. “You’re getting a daily dose of omega-3 fish oil and a luscious truffle all rolled into one.”

Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee hosts Scramble for the Cure Golf Tournament to benefit American Cancer Society

Kissimmee, Fla. –Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Poinciana, operated by Celebration Golf Management recently hosted the Scramble for the Cure golf tournament to benefit American Cancer Society. Christopher Russell, director of golf at Solivita, said the tournament raised more then $31,000 to support cancer research and awareness.

Ryland Homes Leads Area Call-A-Thon that Nets 55 New Members for Tampa Bay Builders Assn.

Tampa, Fla. --- There’s a reason the Tampa Bay Builders Association is the fastest-growing regional home builder association in Florida with more than 500 members to date. And the Sales and Marketing Council of the TBBA has grown with it to over 230 members. Mike Finley, vice president of sales and marketing at Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said the Tampa Bay Builders Association is actively bulking up, and it’s for a good reason. “The home building industry is critically important to the Tampa Bay regional economy and TBBA is actively recruiting business members who want to benefit from a growing industry and play a more prominent role in local economic growth,” Finley explained. Recently, Ryland Homes organized an afternoon Call-A-Thon that included 20 TBBA and SMC members. The telephone work was well rewarded. “We took more than 55 membership pledges in just under two hours,” Finley reported. Ryland’s Call-A-Thon recruited members of the Tampa Bay Builders Association, TBBA’s Sales and Marketing Council and the TBBA Remodeler’s Council. Finley said the home builders association could double in size over the next 24 months. “The housing market is rebounding, our economy is improving and our region’s home building industry benefits a lot more than just 500 companies,” Finley said. “Our membership scope is probably 2,000 businesses and professionals,” he said.

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Team Representing Four Properties at Volusia County's Spruce Creek Fly-In

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty was recently named exclusive sales and marketing agents for four signature hangar homes at Spruce Creek Fly-In, the unique aviation community in Port Orange. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the properties for sale offer a unique opportunity and will likely sell soon. “These hangar homes come equipped with an airplane hangar for exclusive use of the home owners,” Soderstrom said. “They are in high demand, and we haven’t had much hangar home inventory for sale for more than a year,” Soderstrom explained. International Luxury Home Specialists Debbie Keilin and Rachel McGrath in the firm’s Spruce Creek Fly-In office are representing all four properties, Soderstrom said. Recently, Keilin and McGrath sold a Spruce Creek luxury home without a hangar after only three days on the market. The Spruce Creek Fly-In hangar homes currently for sale include: A four-bedroom, five-and-a-half bath luxury home with 10,883 square feet of living space at 1813 Wright Drive for $1,790,000, including hangar. A five-bedroom, five-bath luxury home with 7,894 square feet of living space at 1802 Roscoe Turner Drive for $1,395,000, including hangar. A four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath luxury home with 5,773 square feet of living space at 2894 Malibu Court for $1,500,000, including hangar. A six-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath luxury home with 10,224 square feet of living space at 1971 Southcreek Blvd. for $1,950,000, including a separate hangar and commercial office space. “These offerings include unique, authentic luxury properties that are unlike anything you can find in Florida,” Soderstrom said.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty closes on two long term lease agreements that total 6,500 square feet of office space in Lake Mary

LAKE MARY, Fla. -- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently negotiated two new long term lease agreements that total 6,500 square feet of Class A office space at 719 Rodell Cove in Lake Mary. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Commercial Specialist John Kurtz negotiated both lease agreements representing both the landlord and tenants. Physicians Associates LLC leased 4,500 square feet of office space for physician offices. Rebuilding Life LLC leased 2,000 square feet of office space with plans to open a Nuviva Medial Weight Loss Center. Soderstrom said the building is now 50 percent leased. The only space available in the building is the 8,100 square foot second floor suitable for professional or medical office use. The suite includes a private first class lobby and elevators as well as building signage rights on Rinehart Rd.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty names Maureen Reynolds Trusted Residential Sales Specialist in Volusia County

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Maureen Reynolds a Trusted Residential Sales Specialist in Volusia County. Reynolds, a former congressional chief-of-staff and ocean sailor who lives in the Spruce Creek Fly-In Community in Port Orange, will join luxury home specialists Debbie Keilin and Rachel McGrath — two of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s top sellers — in the firm’s Spruce Creek Fly-In Marketing Center. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said fly-in properties, coastal and luxury homes are rebounding strongly in Volusia County, and his Spruce Creek Fly-In team of highly experienced sales professionals hope to capture a lion’s share of segment growth. “Maureen is one of the top realtors in Volusia County,” Soderstrom said. “She has sold homes in Spruce Creek Fly-In for 11 years and lives in the community. Her focus at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty will be global marketing and sales of Spruce Creek Fly-In properties and luxury properties throughout Volusia County,” he said. “We expect the Spruce Creek Fly-In office of Maureen Reynolds, Debbie Keilin and Rachel McGrath to give us a huge advantage among our clientele,” Soderstrom said.

Dicapta Corp. named Seminole County 2013 Small Business of the Year

Winter Springs, Fla. – Dicapta Corp. which provides high-tech services to make educational, news and entertainment media accessible to people with hearing and or visual limitations was named Seminole County’s 2013 Small Business of the Year by the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Maria Diaz, president and chief executive officer of Dicapta, said her company is on a mission. “Dicapta is dedicated to providing people with hearing or visual disabilities an opportunity to have equal access to audiovisual media,” Diaz explained. Dicapta’s specialized services include caption insertion---adding electronic closed subtitles---video description, subtitling, post-production dubbing, live dubbing of on-air broadcasts, and CART---transforming spoken dialogue into digital text. “We utilize cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art processes we have developed over the past 20 years to deliver consistently high quality to our clients,” Diaz said. Dicapta was tied with Seminole County Habitat for Humanity for the Seminole County Small Business of the Year Award. Winners were selected by a Chamber committee that ranked 35 nominations independently. Dicapta also earned the Small Business Award in the Minority Business category. Dicapta is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at 1511 E. S.R. 434 in Winter Springs.

ICI Homes Appoints Former Illinois State University Web Applications Developer Michael Irigoyen Corporate Web Developer

Daytona Beach, Fla. -- ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most active luxury home builders and developers of exclusive resort and country club communities in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, Kissimmee and Tampa, recently appointed Michael Irigoyen corporate web developer. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said Irigoyen has more than eight years of experience as web applications developer at Illinois State University. “Online networks play a major role in housing sales and that’s only going to increase in the future,” Messina said. “We’re building a talented new media team and Michael has just the skills to take us to the level that will serve ICI home buyers for the next decade or two,” she said. Irigoyen, a native of Chicago and zealous Blackhawks fan, is a Zend PHP Certified Engineer.

Ryland Homes Plans Fashionable Luxury Town Homes for Fashionable address at Six Fifty Six Coleman in Mount Pleasant

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Ryland Homes plans to start sales of eye popping three story luxury town homes before June 1 at Six Fifty Six Coleman, an exclusive gated community under construction at 656 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. Gayle Jinks, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston region, said Ryland’s luxury town homes at Six Fifty Six Coleman offer eye-popping living space too, ranging from 2,100 square feet to 2,400 square feet, larger than the average single family home and that doesn’t include covered porches and two-car garages. “Six Fifty Six Coleman will appeal to successful young professionals who want a carefree lifestyle with an emphasis on style,” Jinks explained. Interiors were designed to emphasize space and privacy. “The open floor plan makes Six Fifty Six Coleman the perfect home for social occasions with friends and neighbors, family gatherings or Sunday afternoon football games,” Jinks said. With chef’s kitchens, energy efficient appliances, premium cabinetry, counters and faucetry, wood and tile floorings and even optional bonus rooms and lofts, Six Fifty Six Coleman offers a range of exciting choices for every home owner,” Jinks said. Ryland’s optional private elevators at Six Fifty Six Coleman may appeal to some empty-nesters and active adults who want to downsize their maintenance chores without downsizing their lifestyle. “Six Fifty Six Coleman may win some awards next year and we expect a lot of visitors once word of the floor plans and interior designs get out,” Jinks added.

Ashton Woods Homes opens new phase at Waterset in Apollo Beach

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has opened a new phase with five new home sites at Waterset off Big Bend Road in Apollo Beach. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said new homes in the new phase at Waterset in three, four and five bedroom designs, will range from 2,066 square feet of living area to 2,397 square feet. Homes at Waterset will start from $236,990, Roche said and all homes will offer two and three car garages. 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.

Ashton Woods Homes starts presales at newest community of Carrington in Windermere

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has started presales at its newest community of Carrington located off Reams Road in Windermere. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said 78 home sites will be available in the new town home community. Town homes at Carrington will range from 1,892 square feet of living area to 1,936 square feet in three and four bedroom designs, priced from $219,990, Roche said. Two models are now under construction and will be ready for viewing in May, Roche added.

Ryland Homes in Connerton among builders hosting Double Celebration for Grand Opening

Land O’Lakes, Fla. – Ryland Homes recently opened their brand new Frost II model in Connerton and two major events are planned to mark the opening of new model homes by all four builders who are participating in the build-out of the family-friendly master planned community on Savory Walk Drive off Connerton Blvd. in Land O’Lakes. Mike Finley, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said the first event, to be held May 16 from 4-8 p.m., is targeted towards real estate agents and those in the building industry. With a “Denim & Diamonds” theme, invitees are encouraged to dress in jeans and wear their bling as they board buses for a VIP tour of the models and the Club Connerton amenity center. Afterwards, there will be a buffet dinner and live music under a large tent with seating for 200. The second event is a party for the entire community and potential future homeowners called “Carnival Connerton” that’s planned for Saturday May 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Buses will take guests on a tour of the models, followed by a tour of Club Connerton. A free “fun zone” sponsored by Verizon will be set up nearby with multiple bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, midway games, a corn toss and prize wheel, plus a video game station. Lunch will be served under a large tent, with menu options including barbecue pork sliders, burgers, hot dogs and mac-and-cheese, not to mention an array of fun snack foods such as popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. Guests will receive goodie bags and will be eligible to win prizes if they visit each model. A grand prize of a $1,000 cash card will be awarded by random drawing. Connerton is a “New Home Town” community spread across approximately 4,800 acres just north of Tampa. Adjacent to the property is a 3,000 acre nature preserve that is home to hundreds of species of native birds and wildlife and offers beautiful trails for walking, jogging and biking. The centerpiece of Connerton is its outstanding amenity center, which includes a clubhouse, café, meeting rooms, catering kitchen, state-of-the-art fitness center, super pool, aquatic playground, children’s wading pool, a patio deck filled with lounge chairs and shaded areas, tennis and basketball courts, sand volleyball, an amphitheater, and a Kids Zone. Ryland Homes has partnered up with Taylor Morrison, M/I Homes, and Homes by WestBay to build on 510 home sites in the newest phase of Connerton. For more information about Ryland Homes or the Connerton events, visit www.ryland.com or www.connerton.com.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge to host 2013 REMAX World Long Drive Championship Event June 21-23

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. --- Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge in Winter Garden, will host the 2013 REMAX World Long Drive Championship local and southeast regional finals competition June 21-23. Tano Malentin, general manager of Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, said the three-day competition will draw about 600 of the best long-ball drivers in the U.S. “We are expecting a crowded field, and the winners will go on to the nationals.” Malentin said. Malentin said admission to the event is free and the public is invited. Concessions will be available during the event. “The 2013 REMAX World Long Drive Championship will showcase some of the longest drives we’ll ever see,” Malentin said. “For avid golfers, the long drive is the holy grail,” he said.

Veteran Mortgage Loan Officer Mimi Fowkes rejoins M/I Homes in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. -– M/I Homes in the Orlando area appointed Mimi Fowkes mortgage loan officer at subsidiary M/I Financial Corp. David Byrnes, division president of M/I Homes, said Fowkes launched her 25-year career at M/I Homes in 1986. M/I Financial Corp. Orlando branch manager, Kerri Ziokas said Fowkes is one of the most experienced mortgage officers in Florida. Fowkes is a longtime Central Florida resident.

Royal Oak Homes names new purchasing manager

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes, has appointed Mike Bruno purchasing manager. Colby Franks, executive vice president of Royal Oak Homes, said Bruno has more than 14 years of purchasing experience. In his new role, Bruno will be responsible for costing and purchasing materials and services for Royal Oak. Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder based in Baldwin Park 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.

PulteGroup in South Florida Honors Top Salesperson for April

Wellington, Fla. --- PulteGroup in South Florida, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and community developers, has named Brent Mahan its Top Sales Consultant for April, working out of the DiVosta Homes community of Castellina. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of PulteGroup, said Mahan sold the highest number of new homes among all PulteGroup communities and brands in the South Florida division which includes not only DiVosta Homes but also Centex, Del Webb and Pulte Homes brands. Mahan has been with DiVosta Homes for 13 years. The New Jersey native graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown. He attended graduate school at the University of Miami and decided to make south Florida his home 18 years ago. He currently sells new two, three and four-bedroom single-family homes by DiVosta priced from the $260s in 10 distinctive designs at Castellina located off Stribling Way and US 441 in Wellington.

Only 11 Estate Homes Remain for Sale at Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- Only 11 Estate home sites remain for sale at Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club, located on Immokalee Road five miles east of I-75 in Naples. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said new home sales in the gated community have been strong all season and he expects all 15 remaining Estate Homes sites to sell before Fall. Two ready-to-move-in Estate Homes at Heritage Bay include the Doral, a single story luxury home on Biscayne Bay Lane, that offers four bedrooms and three baths in 2,553 square feet of living space priced from $581,120 with a three-car garage. The 2,926 square foot Sawgrass, located next door to the Doral, offers five bedrooms and three baths with a three-car garage priced from $614,320. All Lennar homes at Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club 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. Membership in the Heritage Bay Golf Club is included with the purchase of every new home. Community amenities also include seven lighted Har-Tru tennis courts with stadium seating for tournaments, a well appointed 42,000 square foot two-story clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center and resort style swimming pool with a Chickee bar.

Prominent Tea Sommelier Margot Bureaux joins Board of Advisors at Luhse Tea

Kissimmee, Fla. --- Luhse Tea LLC, the innovative online retailer of premium loose teas and tea accessories, has named Margot Bureaux to its Board of Advisors. Bureaux, a tea sommelier, is a lifelong lover of teas. Born in British Columbia and living now in Nova Scotia, Bureaux is a well-known tea consultant, educator and speaker. Luhse Tea co-founder Mindy S. Ferris said Bureaux creates her own tea-based beverages and holds three Canadian titles. She also imports premium teas from around the world. “Someone with Margot’s industry knowledge and experience is an invaluable asset to the future of our company,” Ferris said. “Her advice and assistance in beverage development is adding to our successful Luhse Tea menu. We look forward to working with Margot, and expanding the Luhse Tea brand,” Ferris added. Luhse Tea is a client member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Kissimmee.

Power Promise Organization to host third annual “I have the power” Teen Summit May 17-18 at Evans High School in Orlando

SANFORD, Fla. -- The Power Promise Organization in Sanford will host the third annual “I have the Power” Teen Summit Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18 at Evans High School in Orlando. Ursula James, vice president and program director of the Power Promise Organization, said the event is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. “The third annual “I have the Power” Teen Summit brings young people from all across the community to stand up and fight back against social and economic deprivation, crime and gang violence in the community,” James explained. The Teen Summit is a collaborative effort that includes the Florida Dept. of Juvenile Justice, Evans High School, the Greater Orlando Cares Mentoring Group and a host of community based organizations throughout Orange County. James said she expects to host hundreds of children and families, along with a wide range of vendors from the public and private sectors, youth groups from throughout Central Florida have been invited. “We are bringing together families and community groups to educate and unite the community we live in,” she said. The Power Promise Organization was established in 2008 to serve schools, equip parents, impact students and inspire women to help Central Florida communities achieve a brighter future. Power Promise is a member of the UCF Business Incubation Program in Sanford.

Park Square Homes opens new phase at Prairie Lake Reserve in Ocoee

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes has opened a new phase of 34 home sites at its community of Prairie Lake Reserve, a gated town home community located off A. D. Mims Road and Clarke Road in Ocoee. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator at Park Square Homes, said home sites in the new phase at Prairie Lake Reserve will range from 1,600 square feet of living area to 1,800 square feet with two-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage. Homes in the new phase will range in price from the mid to the high $100s, Rouhana said. Amenities at Prairie Lake Reserve include a community swimming pool, clubhouse and children’s playground. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

Avalon Park to start development of senior living facility to focus on Alzheimer’s care, therapy

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Avalon Park in East Orlando reported it will start development of an 80,000 square foot senior living facility with 90 senior living apartments and 128 licensed beds. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing at Avalon Park Group, which is developing Avalon Park, said MJM Associates will manage the senior living facility in partnership with the Weill Cornell Medical College and Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, part of Cornell University in New York. “When the new facility opens later this year staff and specialists under the auspices of Weill Cornell Medical College will provide non-medicinal therapeutic treatments to help slow the progress of Alzheimer’s,” Hodson said. Hodson added that the general contractor bid was recently awarded to Lamm & Co. and construction of the senior living facility is expected to start within 90 days.

Orlando EB5 Investments earns approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for Orlando Regional Center

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Orlando EB5 Investments has won approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to establish the Orlando Regional Center to funnel foreign investments of up to $100 million or more to Central Florida health care, solar energy and utilities projects in Orange, Volusia, Polk, Lake, Hillsborough, Seminole, Osceola and Brevard Counties. George Livingston, a principal of Orlando EB5 Investments, and chairman of NAI Realvest in Maitland, said the Orlando Regional Center is currently reviewing 10 projects for funding by foreign investors who will invest from $500,000 to $1 million each. U.S. immigration policy encourages foreign investments in U.S. projects that will create new jobs and improve local economies, Livingston said. The EB-5 immigration policy grants permanent resident status to qualified foreigners who invest $500,000 to $1 million in approved projects that will create jobs for American workers, Livingston said. Livingston said the Orlando EB5 Investments regional center has formed through a joint venture with American Dream Fund (ADF), which organized regional centers in major cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Portland. ADF will market Orlando EB-5 projects in China, Livingston said. Hong Kong based GGI Asia will also market Orlando Regional Center projects, Livingston said. “We are recruiting representatives who can recruit additional investors in India, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East,” Livingston explained.

Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange has seven recently pre-sold, two move-in-ready homes available, nine under construction

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange had a major start to 2013 with a busy first quarter with two ready-to-move-in homes available, nine under construction and an additional seven more recently pre-sold. Jamie Allen Adley, president of Villages of Royal Palm and Co-Owner of Winston-James Development, the South Daytona firm developing the community said, two move-in-ready homes now available are priced in the high $200s. The nine homes underway and the seven pre-sold homes are all in the $300,000 range. Adley said March and April have been a ‘busy’ time for the Villages of Royal Palm. Nine homes were sold during the two-month period at prices starting in the $280s, “and the pace exceeded that of last year,” he added.

Incentive Properties and Winston James Construction, sell $471,000 Seminole County luxury home less than one month from completion

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Incentive Properties of Altamonte Springs and Winston James Construction of South Daytona closed on the sale of a $471,000 luxury home recently at Island Club, located off Markham Woods Road in Lake Mary. Joseph Schwartz, Broker for Incentive Properties said and Winston James Construction received a certificate of occupancy for the luxury home in mid-December and a sale of the home was completed in early January. “The completed home was only on the market for three weeks,” Joseph Schwartz, principal and broker at Incentive Properties, said. The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath luxury home with 3,400 square feet of living space features a bonus room and many custom upgrades, plus a two-car garage. Joseph Schwartz said Winston James Construction and Incentive Properties plan to team up to build another luxury home at Island Club priced in the $500,000 range before the end of the year.

Royal Oaks Homes Names New Building Assistant

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, has appointed Brad Smith as building assistant. Colby Franks, executive vice president of Royal Oak Homes said Smith will be working out of Royal Oak’s community of Barrington Estates in Clermont. Smith has more than five years of experience in construction, Franks said. 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.

Hendricks – Berkadia Negotiates Sale of Autumn Wood Apartments in Hoover, Ala. for $8,500,000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Hendricks - Berkadia, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of Autumn Wood Apartments, a 206-unit apartment community located in Hoover, Ala., for $8.5 million. David Oakley, senior vice president of Hendricks – Berkadia’s Alabama office, negotiated the sale representing the buyer, RRE Autumn Wood Holdings, based in Philadelphia. Tom Hinton of Hinton Investments, represented the seller, 1000 Autumnwood LLC, based in New York. Autumn Wood, built in 1986, has a total of 180,400 square feet of rentable living space with one- and two-bedroom apartments.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease with retailer selling Licensed Disney Products at Kissimmee Shopping Center

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 8,983 square feet at Kissimmee Shopping Center at 2545 Old Vineland Rd. with a retailer focusing on selling licensed Disney products. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction representing the landlord, Herndon, Va.-based KVOS, LLC. Partyka said the Kissimmee Shopping Center is the second Central Florida location for the tenant, Party & Gift Outlet doing business as Licensed Disney Products of Kissimmee. Licensed Disney Products joins national tenants Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Converse , Dollar Tree and Bealls at the center located at 2501-2573 Old Vineland Rd.

Ryland Homes’ Sandpiper model home at Watergrass named floor plan of the month by Crown Communities Florida

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ryland Homes’ two story Sandpiper model home at Watergrass, located at 7627 Windchase Way in Wesley Chapel off SR 54 and Curley Rd., was “Floor plan of the month for May,” by Crown Communities Florida. Mike Finley, vice president of sales and marketing for the Tampa Division of Ryland Homes, said the Sandpiper model home at Watergrass comes in two distinctive elevations with four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a den, loft, eat-in kitchen and dining area plus an optional fifth bedroom and full bath in 2,297 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. Priced from $204,990, the Sandpiper was designed to appeal to growing families and empty nesters who want to enjoy a quiet neighborhood setting. Ryland Homes builds one and two-story single family homes starting from the three-bedroom, two-bath Pelican floor plan with 1,551 square feet of living space, priced from $174,990. Two move-in ready homes are available at Watergrass now — a Pelican floor plan and a two-story Spoonbill floor plan with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, great room, game room and a huge island kitchen in 1,859 square feet with a two-car garage.

Popular Feature at Twin Eagles Community in Naples? Uncrowded Golf Course

NAPLES, Fla. – With only 600 golf members, the Twin Eagles community on Fenhurst Way in Naples has something to offer new home buyers that most golf communities can’t match: 36 resplendent holes of golf, and none of it crowded. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar in Southwest Florida Division, said Lennar’s limited membership in the Twin Eagles Golf Club appeals to new and seasonal residents from the north. “At most golf courses up north, and at many golf courses all over Florida, during the season you have to reserve tee times a week in advance,” Devereaux said. “Twin Eagles was designed to take advantage of its environment and the developers planned a superlative golf course with 36 holes,” 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 ranks as one of the area’s premier golf communities and Twin Eagles home owners enjoy gorgeous preserve and golf course views along with miles of hiking, jogging, and walking paths. Twin Eagles 47,000 square foot clubhouse will soon include a state-of-the-art fitness center and resort style swimming pool.

Legends Golf Club partners with charitable organizations, program is off to a great start

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Legends Golf Club recently started a fundraising initiative that so far has seen tremendous success. They collected over $300 in the first week. Jay Scruggs, general manager at Legends Golf Club, chose to partner with Fairways for Warriors because of their close ties to the golf industry. “Fairways for Warriors will provide support to disabled active military service personnel and veterans by using golf instruction and playing golf. Our goal is to help with physical and emotional rehabilitation of our country’s injured service personnel,” according to the foundation’s mission statement. Legends Golf Club frequently works with charitable organizations. “Due to our ideal location and exceptional customer service, we have become a first choice option for many charity golf tournaments.” Scruggs said. “We are very excited about our continued support of this and other local charities,” he added Visit www.cgmgolfproperties.com. Visit www.fairwaysforwarriors.org if you would like a donation.

Legends Golf Club welcomes nine-hole golfers, also offers great summer league play options

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Legends Golf Club is participating in the national golf campaign, Time for Nine, a multifaceted program sponsored by the PGA of America and the USGA. Jay Scruggs, general manager at Legends Golf Club, said he’s very excited about the venture and having support from the largest organizations in the golf industry. “As part of this new campaign, Legends Golf Club will make every effort to accommodate golfers who only have time for, or simply prefer to play nine holes of golf.” Scruggs said. “It’s a struggle at times for golfers to find a course that promotes nine holes of golf. Many courses don’t even offer a nine-hole rate. We’re pleased to offer a variety of nine-hole rates and leagues,” he added. In addition to being part of the Time for Nine program, which promotes standard nine-hole rates throughout the day, Legends Golf Club also offers several leagues throughout the year including a weekly Men’s League, Ladies’ League, as well as a Nine & Dine. Visit www.cgmgolfproperties.com. Visit www.fairwaysforwarriors.org if you would like to make a donation.

Celebration Golf Club launches second season of Golf ‘n Gals League, membership still open

Celebration, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Club near Walt Disney World launched the second season of its Golf’n Gals 9 Hole Ladies League recently with a launch party that included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, announcements, news of exciting trunk shows, and prizes. “We are looking forward to a successful season of good times and golf.” said Golf Sales Agent Carol Daniels “We hosted more than 30 ladies and our first event will tee off Wednesday May 8 with a shotgun start at 5:30 p.m.,” Daniels said. A $20 registration fee includes green fees, cart fees and prizes following the nine-hole event. The season ends with a tournament in November to benefit the American Cancer Society. 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/

Pulte Homes has only Nine Single Story Carriage Homes remaining for sale at Twinleaf at Bartram Park in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Only nine single-story Carriage Homes remain for sale priced from the $150,000 at Twinleaf at Bartram Park, located off Bartram Park Blvd. between Old St. Augustine Rd. and Racetrack Rd. in Jacksonville. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida Division for Pulte Homes, said Twinleaf at Bartram Park released its last building for sale last week and already two Carriage Homes have sold. Strickler said two-bedroom, two-bath Carriage Homes at Twinleaf at Bartram Park range in size from the 1,438-square foot Heron floor plan to the 1,857-square foot Cormorant, which boasts Whirlpool® ENERGY STAR® dishwasher and range with a kitchen island, ceramic tile flooring and birch cabinetry in the kitchen and 456 square feet of great room and screened lanai for family gatherings or neighborhood social occasions.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge Appoints Former Disney Chef Rick Schneider Kitchen Supervisor

Winter Garden, Fla. --- The Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden has appointed veteran culinary executive Rick Schneider kitchen supervisor. Tano Malentin, general manager at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, said Schneider is a former Disney chef who was a student at the University of Cincinnati when he launched his culinary career as an apprentice at the venerable Kenwood Country Club. A chance to serve as executive chef at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach lured him to Florida, then Walt Disney World Resorts, and the Hyatt Grand Cypress Golf Resort next door. “We’re delighted that one of the bright young stars of our industry is joining us and we are proud to present him at Orange County National,” Malentin said.

Co-Founder of Luhse Tea, LLC in Kissimmee Earns Her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

Kissimmee, Fla. --- Brittney Wholihan, co-founder of Luhse Tea LLC in Kissimmee, recently earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Wholihan co-founded Luhse Tea with partner Mindy S. Ferris one year ago. The retailer of fine teas and tea accessories is headquartered in Kissimmee. Luhse Tea’s wide variety of fine teas and tea accessories is available online at www.luhsetea.com, on FaceBook at facebook.com/luhsetea, and on Twitter at twitter.com/luhsetea. Luhse Tea is a client member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program’s Kissimmee incubator.

Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida offering Home buyers Free One-year home warranties

LAKE MARY, Fla. -- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, which ranks the region’s largest and most active privately held residential mortgage company, is offering residential mortgage clients a free one-year home owner’s warranty. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, Inc., said he is offering the one-year free homeowner’s warranty through real estate associates and brokers nationwide. 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.

Drug Screening Expert invited to talk about Florida Medical Marijuana Initiative May 5 on SALSA 98.1 FM Radio

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Jose Batista, President and Chief Executive Officer of Exam Plus FL, which provides administration of drug and alcohol testing programs for employers, governmental and law enforcement agencies, has been asked to appear on SALSA FM 98.1 radio May 5 to talk about the medical marijuana initiative in Florida. The program “Hablemos de Negocios” (Let’s Talk Business) will air at 8:30 a.m. on May 5. Batista said he plans to discuss the pros and cons of medical marijuana and the issue could appear on the ballot in Florida in 2014. Exam Plus FL, a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program company located in Winter Springs, Fla., opened three years ago and is a member of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Assn.

Musool Academy Martial Artists Earn 25 Medals in AAU Florida Taekwondo Qualifying Competition at Daytona Beach Ocean Center

Daytona Beach, Fla. --- MuSool Academy at 5889 South Williamson Blvd. in Port Orange was one of the biggest winners at the recent AAU Florida Taekwondo Qualifying Competition at Daytona Beach Ocean Center. Melbourne native Shelby Creech, Sa Beom Nim (Master Instructor) at MuSool Academy, said the popular martial arts dojang racked up 25 medals in the competition, including nine gold medals, 10 silver and six bronze. “Our kids were just awesome,” Creech said. The event marked a major milestone for MuSool Academy: big wins in the forms competition. Martial arts in general and Taekwondo in particular focus on two ways to exhibit skills---poomse, also called forms or patterns, and sparring. “MuSool Academy students have always posted strong points in the sparring events,” Creech said. “This year MuSool Academy students earned 10 medals---including three golds---for forms,” Creech said. “That’s a first for us and it’s an important benchmark in our growth as a dojang,” he said. Winners in AAU Florida Competition in Daytona Beach are now eligible to compete in the 2013 AAU Taekwondo Nationals July 1-6 in Fort Lauderdale, Creech said.

Henin Group moving to Winter Park

DeBary, Fla. --- The Henin Group, including Henin Homes, now based at its community Riviera Bella in DeBary overlooking the St. Johns River, is moving to new corporate offices in Winter Park. Jerome Henin, founder and president of The Henin Group, said the company will move by May 1 to 2300 Lee Rd. in Winter Park. In accordance with the rapid growth the company has experienced, the Henin Group leased 3,600 square feet of office space for its headquarters and according to Henin, the new office facility will also house homebuilding operations, Henin Realty, International real estate investment firm, and their property management company.

NAI Realvest negotiates sale of industrial building and acre of land on CR 419 in Winter Springs to Lake Doctors

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of the 12,300 square foot Lancer Building on 1.08 acres located at 3553 County Road 419 in Winter Springs. Paul P. Partyka, principal and managing partner at NAI Realvest, who represented the seller R E Owen & Associates of Oviedo, said the industrial property was purchased for $650,000 by JLW Lake Doctors, Inc. who currently own and occupy the adjacent building at 3523 CR 419. “Lake Doctors is expanding and this purchase more than doubles their operations,” said Partyka. Lake Doctors provides aquatic care and service to lakes, ponds and custom fountains for golf courses, homeowners associations, commercial and government properties. Roger Owen of Roger Owen Realty, Inc. represented the buyer in the transaction.

NAI Realvest negotiates new lease for 12,000 square feet of industrial space in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease for 12,160 square feet of industrial space at 8350 Parkline Blvd. off Orange Avenue and McCoy Road in South Orlando. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the landlord Parkline Properties, LLC of Columbus, Ohio. The tenant New World Van Lines, Inc. based in Chicago was represented by David Murphy of CBRE.

H2 IT Solutions Earns First Place Award in U.S. Army's International Virtual Challenge Competition

ORLANDO, Fla., --- H2 IT Solutions, Inc., based in Orlando, is quickly earning a name for itself in the military simulation and training world. Last week the eight-year old technology firm earned a coveted First Place Award---with a $10,000 prize---in the U.S. Army Research Laboratory’s international 2013 Federal Virtual Challenge competition. The Army Laboratory’s Simulation & Training Technology Center announced H2 IT’s First Place Award---in the Critical Thinking/Adaptability category---at the GameTech 2013 Defense User’s Conference in Orlando April 17. H2 IT’s virtual team building game---Compound®, developed for the U.S. Air Force Air University Squadron Officer College--- earned the firm its top prize. Alice Hayden, president of H2 IT Solutions, Inc., said the Challenge rules were both specific and complex. “Our goal was to develop an immersive virtual environment---a compelling game, with sensory triggers to make it real---that will help users build their critical thinking and adaptability skills in a measurable and sustainable way,” Hayden explained. “Compound® teaches users how to lead a team, how to best delegate and communicate tasks and how to work together to analyze and adapt to the situation,” Hayden said. The same week as the First Place Award, H2 IT landed a major feature profile in National Defense, the leading online community of the nation’s weapons and defense industries. Hayden said the two events rank among the most important in the company’s brief history. “Winning a First Place Award at the GameTech 2013 Defense User’s Conference is major benchmark because it’s in front of all our peers and competitors, but the National Defense profile showcases our skills and performance to the widest possible market of potential defense industry customers and clients,” Hayden said. H2 IT Solutions provides innovative business and technology solutions designed to efficiently and effectively manage, interpret and distribute an organization’s valuable information to decision makers. H2 IT Solutions is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at Central Florida Research Park in east Orlando County.

NEW COMMUNITY CENTER OPENS AT THE PRESERVE AT CORKSCREW

Fort Myers, Fla. --- Lennar recently co-hosted an opening of the new community center at The Preserve at Corkscrew, a gated master-planned community developed by Cameratta Companies on Villa di Preserve in Estero, two miles east of I-75 off Corkscrew Rd. in Estero, FL. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in southwest Florida, said the new amenities center includes a resort-style swimming pool and spa, three tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a pilates room, a catering kitchen, and a park-like lawn with hammocks overlooking the community dock and the lake beyond. Cameratta Companies built the community center for both family recreation and active adults, Devereaux explained. “We’re pleased to be a part of such a spectacular community center opening for our homebuyers,” Devereaux said. Lennar builds Estate homes, Manor homes and Executive homes at the Preserve at Corkscrew with “Everything’s Included” prices that start at $278,990 to over $500,000, along with Lennar’s unique NextGen® homes that offer a private home within a home for multiple generations. Visit www.lennar.com.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge to host Veterans Outreach Foundation’s 2nd Annual charity golf play

Winter Garden, Fla. --- Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden will host the second annual Veterans Outreach Foundation Charity golf tournament Saturday, May 18, with a grand prize of a 2013 Honda Accord. Tano Malentin, general manager at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, said the Veterans Outreach Foundation supports Haley House, which provides temporary lodging for families of injured service members and veterans suffering from life threatening illness and trauma at the James A. Haley Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tampa. “Haley House enables families to stay close to their loved one in their time of need and to work with them in their convalescence and rehabilitation,” Malentin said. Brandon Holbrook, events coordinator with the Veterans Outreach Foundation and organizer of the tourney, said on-course events will include farthest drive, closest-to-pin, and hole-in-one with a grand prize of the new car. An entry free of $100 per golfer covers green fees, cart and golf, breakfast, lunch, prizes and admission to the silent auction, Holbrook said. Registration for the golf play starts at 7 a.m. Four man scramble team will tee off with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Sponsorships for the tournament are still available and 100 percent of net proceeds will benefit the charity.

Royal Oak Homes Starts Construction of New Monica Model Home at Sorrento Springs in Sorrento

Orlando, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes has started construction of the new four-bedroom, two-bath Monica model home at Sorrento Springs, the gated golf course community located off S.R. 44 just west of C.R. 437 in Sorrento. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the Monica model home offers a split plan with a master suite that is separated from the three remaining bedrooms, an open kitchen that serves a huge family room as well as a formal dining room, and a two-car garage. The 1,927 square foot Monica model home at Sorrento Springs is priced from $159,999. The model home will open in June, Orosz said. Royal Oak Homes plans to build more than 100 three and four-bedroom single-family homes at Sorrento Springs that range in size from 1,695 square feet of living space to over 3,200 square feet. Sorrento Springs features the Eagle Dunes Golf Club as well as a community swimming pool, two tennis courts, a fitness center and a community clubhouse.

Relic Ball™ Launches on Facebook; An Action Based Social Game from ootii

ST. CLOUD, Fla. --- ootii, a new gaming studio in Central Florida and born out of the University of Central Florida’s Interactive Entertainment Academy, has released an action game for the Facebook platform. Relic Ball is a skills based action game where players travel the world and discover ancient artifacts by interacting with the environment in real-time. As players explore exotic locations, they solve puzzles and collect treasures that can be used to customize their museum. “Relic Ball is a unique game on Facebook. While Facebook remains a viable platform for gamers, there’s a lack of diversity and creativity,” said Tim Tryzbiak, co-founder of ootii where Relic Ball was designed and developed. “We wanted to do something different. There’s a whole new base of gamers that are looking for something more challenging, but still accessible. Relic Ball delivers an experience where players can explore, solve problems, and see the result of their actions in real-time. We’re one of the few skills based action games on Facebook.” ootii looks to tap into the growing base of “mid core” gamers that are playing on Facebook. These players represent a niche of both traditional gamers and social gamers who are looking for free-to-play games that are challenging, but don’t require large commitments of time or money. Feature List: • Available for Facebook (PC) • Real-time physics based interaction, problem solving, and destruction • 8 Unique regions with over 50 levels of gameplay • Player museum to customize and share treasures earned Relic Ball is the first title to be released by ootii.