Ashton Woods Homes opens Phase 2 at Waterset in Apollo Beach

TAMPA, Fla. — Ashton Woods Homes has opened phase 2 at its community of Waterset off Big Bend Road in Apollo Beach. Michael Roche, vice president of sales for Ashton Woods Homes, said there are 25 home sites in phase 2 for homes ranging from 2,066 square feet of living area to 2,638 square feet. New three, four and five-bedroom homes at Waterset are priced from $234,990 and all floor plans will offer two and three-car garages, Roche said.

Ashton Woods Homes Promotes Sales Manager for Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Ashton Woods Homes has promoted Ashley Schlageter to General Sales Manager-Orlando Michael Roche, vice president of sales for Ashton Woods Homes said Schlageter, a graduate of Michigan State University, has 10 years of experience in residential real estate sales. Roche said Schlageter has been with Ashton Woods Homes nearly eight years and was formerly sales manager at the homebuilder’s community of Laureate Park.

Park Square Homes starts development in Toscana luxury community off Turkey Lake Road in Dr. Phillips area

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has begun development in the gated, luxury community of Toscana, located off Turkey Lake Rd. in the Dr. Phillips area of south Orlando. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator, said Park Square Homes has 32 home sites at Toscana and plans to build three-story single family homes that will range from 3,300 square feet of living area to 4,400 square feet, priced from $600,000. All the homes Park Square builds in Toscana will offer five and six bedrooms. The community is located on Spring Lake, Rouhana added, and is in close proximity to fine schools, Millennia Mall and the attractions Amenities at Toscana include lake views and luxurious landscaping, a clubhouse with fitness center, pool and spa.

DiVosta Homes introduces new Kendall II floor plan at VeronaWalk in Naples, decorated model open by year end.

NAPLES, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes has introduced another spectacular floor plan which is now available for purchase at VeronaWalk in Naples, and this one takes “open design” to a whole new level. The new Kendall II, priced from $278,990, features a host of upgrades and options that are the epitome of luxury resort-style living. A model of the Kendall II is under construction and scheduled to open – fully furnished and decorated – by the end of this year. The 1,759 square-foot Kendall II offers three bedrooms, two baths and a rear-entry two-car garage. The living area includes a kitchen, dining room, great room, lanai and front porch. “The Kendall II was designed for entertaining, and that means lots of open space,” said Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of DiVosta Homes. “This design is perfect for neighborhood and seasonal gatherings or just for lounging in the afternoon.” The Kendall II is the latest of more than a dozen floor plans available at VeronaWalk, where DiVosta Homes is building elegant two and three bedroom single family homes ranging from 1,392 square feet of living area to 2,488 square feet, priced from the $230s. VeronaWalk is located on Collier Blvd. in Naples west of I-75 Exit 101. The active adult DiVosta community boasts quality construction, zero-maintenance homes with a wide range of activities along with miles of walkways, Venetian-style bridges, state-of-the-art fitness center and resort-style swimming pool.

Park Square Homes Starts Work on Amenities Center at Solterra in Polk County

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Park Square Homes has started construction of an amenities center at Solterra Resort, located in Davenport in Polk County off Ronald Reagan Blvd. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said the amenities center will include a 3,000 square foot clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, cabana, water slide, two tennis courts, volleyball court and playground. Park Square Homes has 20 home sites remaining in the first phase at Solterra with homes priced from the high $200s.

ANNUAL 9/11 MEMORIAL SERVICE AND MOTORCYCLE RIDE “REMEMBERS THE FALLEN” ON SEPT. 8 IN FLAGLER COUNTY

BUNNELL – This year’s 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride, “Remembering the Fallen & the Heroes of 9/11,” will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Flagler Government Service Building at 1769 E. Moody Blvd. The free event – which marks the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy – features a 67-mile ride as part of a day-long activity that honors the heroes of 9/11. A memorial ceremony, led by the Red Knights Palm Coast FL Chapter 11, will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the motorcycle ride kicks off at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. at the White Eagle Lounge, 5533 North U.S. Highway 1 in Korona. Presented annually by the law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell and the Palm Coast Chapter of the Red Knights Firefighters Club, the police-escorted ride is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants, according to David Sweat√, partner of the Port Orange-based personal-injury firm. “We’re proud to be a sponsor of this very important annual event and pay tribute to those we lost on Sept. 11, as well as our fellow firefighters and American heroes who put their lives on the line for us every day,” said Sweat, whose firm has several motorcycle-riding attorneys and staff members who will be participating. Included will be live entertainment, event t-shirts, free food, and raffles, including the chance to win a trip for two to Ground Zero, Sweat said. Additional sponsors are the White Eagle Lounge, Thunder Roads Magazine and Flagler County Government Services. For details, contact Jessica Eckelbarger, Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell marketing director, at 386-788-7700 or jessicae@rueziffra.com, or visit http://www.memorialrun911.com/schedule.htm.

Local Law Firm President Receives Highest Ranking from Prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review

PORT ORANGE – Attorney Allan L. Ziffra, president and co-founder of the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, recently was ranked AV® Preeminent in the Martindale-Hubbell Directory’s Peer Review Ratings. The AV® ranking – the highest of three ratings by Martindale-Hubbell – attests to a lawyer's legal ability and adherence to professional standards of ethics, said firm co-founder John D. Rue. The rating, according to Rue, reflects the opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary with opinions gathered from questionnaires and interviews conducted by Martindale-Hubbell representatives. “These peer review ratings are very important in the legal field,” Rue said. “Receiving the highest possible marks from your peers is the best compliment one can be given.” Ziffra – who is admitted to practice in all Florida Courts and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida – has a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University, Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, and a master’s of law degree from the University of Miami. A Chicago native who passed the Bar at the age of 24 is a member of the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, Volusia County Bar Association, Florida Justice Association, and the American Association for Justice. During the past 24 years, Ziffra has successfully represented more than 2,700 individuals and recovered more than $100 million for his clients in personal-injury lawsuits.

Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont to host Second Annual Fairways for Warriors Golf Tournament Sept. 14

CLERMONT, Fla. -- Kings Ridge Golf Club, located on U.S. 27 five miles south of S.R. 50 in Clermont, will host the Second Annual Fairways for Warriors Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kenny Nairn, Scottish PGA professional and chief operating officer of Celebration Golf Management, said he expects more than 100 golfers to participate, including wounded U.S. military veterans. “Fairways for Warriors provides golf instruction, equipment and tee times to help disabled veterans overcome their challenges and this is a very popular tournament in Lake County,” Nairn said. The Fairways for Warriors team scramble tournament will tee off at 9 a.m. at Kings Ridge and each team will include at least one wounded warrior, Nairn said. Last year’s inaugural Fairways for Warriors Golf Tournament at King’s Ridge Golf Club drew more than 100 area golfers, Jay Scruggs, general manager at Kings Ridge, said. For information or to register, telephone 352-242-4653.

Celebration Golf Management plans major improvement to several area golf clubs

CELEBRATION, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Management which owns or operates nine golf clubs and courses in the Central Florida area, has scheduled a series of major improvements totaling more than $750,000. Kenny Nairn, Scottish PGA Golf professional who was recently promoted to chief operating officer at Celebration Golf Management, said new golf carts are being purchased as well as renovations to clubhouse facilities. Renovations and upgrades include -- • 72 new golf carts for Stoneybrook West at $300,000; • New maintenance equipment including new mowers at a cost of $250,000; • At Solivita, a new food and beverage training program for some 50 employees as well as new maintenance equipment totaling more than $100,000 ; • At Golden Bear in Windermere, renovation of clubhouse, fitness center and pool totals more than $100,000.

Legends Golf Club in Clermont to Host Legends Junior Golf Academy for Youngsters Aged 5 - 15

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Legends Golf Club, located on U.S. 27 five miles south of S.R. 50 at 1700 Legendary Blvd. in Clermont, will host the one-day Legends Junior Golf Academy on Saturday, Aug. 17. Kenny Nairn, Scottish PGA professional and chief operating officer of Celebration Golf Management, said Legends Junior Golf Academy is open to boys and girls aged 5 – 15. The free clinic will run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To register or learn more information, telephone 352-243-1118 or visit www.LegendsGolfOrlando.com

Meritage Homes Names New Land Development Construction Manager

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes has named Tim Wheeler land development construction manager in the Orlando region. Brian Kittle, division vice president for Meritage Homes, said Wheeler holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from University of Central Florida and has more than 12 years of experience in land development and project management. He formerly held senior land development management roles at Pulte and Walt Disney Imagineering. He is also the owner/operator of his own development consulting firm. In his new role, Wheeler will be responsible for construction of infrastructure on land acquired for new communities including entry and perimeter features along with neighborhood amenities that spotlight Meritage Homes communities as leaders in the industry. “Knowing how much sustainable design is a part of Meritage Homes, I hope to begin implementing the sustainable land development strategies I learned while a member of Disney Imagineering with our land planning and development here at Meritage in Central Florida,” Wheeler said.

First Green Bank appoints Banking Veteran Ryan Wolford Branch Manager in Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank has appointed Ryan Wolford branch manager at its headquarters branch on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said Wolford has more than 12 years of experience in banking and formerly served as a branch manager at Fairwinds Credit Union.

First Green Bank completes Stock Offering with $7.8 million in stock sales

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank recently ended its first stock offering and reported stock sales of $7.8 million. Kenneth M. LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said the stock offering was an enormous success and a very significant capital raise in this economic environment. "We have a sound story to tell and a record of performance that points to a bright future for the First Green Bank brand,” LaRoe said. “We think our solid business model and pragmatic approach to community-building is what banking is supposed to be, and we are delighted that so many investors agree with us,” LaRoe said.

Avex Homes Welcomes Jeff Huebner as Vice President of Construction

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Jeff Huebner recently joined Orlando-based Avex Homes as vice president of construction. Huebner has more than 25 years of experience in the homebuilding industry and significant vendor relationships. He was most recently Orlando division vice president of construction for Maronda Homes. Huebner received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. In his new role as vice president of construction for Avex Homes, Heubner will be responsible for managing all aspects of construction and ensuring that Avex continues to build a high quality home at a reasonable price. “Jeff brings considerable experience and talent to our team. We are extremely proud to welcome him and believe that his homebuilding experience is vital to the success of Avex Homes’ aggressive expansion plans,” said Eric Marks, president of Avex Homes. Avex Homes is building 342 homes at Cypress Village at Avalon Park West on SR 54 in Wesley Chapel. The Avalon Park Group development will eventually accommodate as many as 4,400 homes and more than 700,000 square feet of commercial space in its Town Center.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Purchase of half-acre Redevelopment Site South of downtown Orlando near ORMC

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the purchase of a redevelopment site located at 900 and 908 Delaney Ave.(corner of Delaney and Gore Street) south of downtown Orlando near Orlando Regional Medical Center. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, principal at NAI Realvest negotiated the transaction on behalf of the local buyer, Akpeke Investments, LLC who paid $500,000 for the 0.54-acre site that is zoned for office development. The seller, Hancock Bank of Gulfport, Mississippi was represented by Jamie Barati, Todd Davis and Danny Rice of Colliers International.

NAI Realvest negotiates three Lease Renewals for industrial space totaling more than 7800 square feet

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated three lease renewals for industrial space totaling 7,875 square feet at Carter Commerce Center in Winter Garden and at Hanging Moss CommerCenter in Orlando. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest represented the landlord COP-Hanging Moss, LLC in two renewal agreements with long time tenants in the Hanging Moss CommerCenter at 6148 Hanging Moss Road. Bottled Ocean, Inc. renewed its lease of Suite 130 with 2,605 square feet and Jacksonville-based Fastenal renewed Suites 140-150 with 3,395 square feet. Heidrich represented landlord Carter Commerce Center LLC in a lease renewal agreement with the tenant, Turf Athletics LLC, for the 1,875 square feet in Suite 250 at Carter CommerCenter, 902 Carter Rd. in Winter Garden.

NAI Realvest Office Leasing Team Filling Up Gateway Plaza in Winter Park

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new leases totaling more than 3,000 square feet of Class A office space in the Gateway Plaza office building at 1201 S. Orlando Ave. (U.S. 17-92) at the intersection of Orange Ave. in Winter Park. The NAI Realvest office leasing team of Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, Mary Frances West, CCIM and Chris Adams negotiated both lease agreements representing the local landlord, Gateway Plaza LLC. Valintry Services, LLC, a Winter Park property management firm leased suite 440 with 1,968 square feet. Mark Harkins with Harkins Commercial represented the tenant. Memphis-based Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. the spinal division of an international manufacturer/developer of medical devices, leased suite 420 with 1,041 square feet. Sarah Castor of Cresa Orlando represented Medtronic. NAI Realvest and the Kelley/West/Adams team were named exclusive leasing agents for 10,000 square feet of the Gateway Plaza building earlier this year.

Greensleeves Energy Solutions Earns Major Industry Award for Design of University of Findlay Building in Ohio

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. -- Greensleeves LLC, which provides integrated energy system design and engineering for commercial buildings to cut energy costs by 35 to 50 percent, earned a major industry award recently for its work on the new 300 Davis Street Building at the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. Sharon K. Keeran, vice president of operations at Greensleeves, said the company received First Place honors in the recent annual project design awards competition of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Region V, which includes Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Greensleeves earned the ASHRAE Region V Technology Award, Keeran explained. Technology Award judging criteria included energy efficiency, indoor air quality and thermal comfort, innovation, operation and maintenance, cost effectiveness, environmental impact, and quality of presentation. Greensleeves’ solutions for the University of Findlay building project have thus far reduced energy costs in the new building by an estimated 57 percent. Maintenance costs have been reduced by 35 percent, Keeran said, and Greensleeves’ design solution will eliminate more than 800 tons of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. “The University of Findlay is a great client to partner with,” Keeran said. “They are not only concerned about the economics, but are concerned about energy efficiency and the environment,” she added. Greensleeves is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs.

ALTR Receives License Approval for University of Florida Button Covers

ORLANDO, Fla. – ALTR, an Orlando-based startup that creates trendy button covers with collegiate and other insignias, has launched a line of University of Florida button covers after receiving licensing approval from UF. After nearly a year of communicating with the Collegiate Licensing Company and the University of Florida, ALTR co-owner Alexandra Gramatikas√ said UF button covers have been added to her company’s inventory, which includes button covers for the University of Central Florida. “We’re thrilled to finally be able to launch our UF button covers,” said Gramatikas, a client of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program–Orlando. “And, we want to thank our followers for their support in this lengthy and sometimes grueling process to finally be able to give UF students, alumni and fans what they’ve been waiting for.” Gramatikas said the approval by UF is a trial run and once the existing inventory is depleted, the university will evaluate the product’s performance to determine if a permanent license will be issued. The decorative new orange UF-logo button covers join the company’s gold UCF covers. Each is 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. The covers are priced at $12 for a set of six small covers or four large covers. To learn more about ALTR and their products or to shop online, visit www.madetoaltr.com. ALTR button covers are also sold at Gray’s Bookstore near UCF’s main campus or Siegel’s Clothing in Winter Park.

Lennar Homes Starts Construction of Ready-To-Move-In Home at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Lennar Homes has started construction of a new four-bedroom, three-bath home that will be move-in ready and priced at $219,585 when it opens in November at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres, Lennar’s gated family community located off Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. The new home is Lennar’s Trevi floor plan that offers 2,032 square feet of living space with a two-car garage, said Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in southwest Florida. Lennar plans to build some 50 one and two-story homes at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres. Devereaux said new homes from Lennar’s Executive Series at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres are priced from $162,990 to $267,990 and range in size 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.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Retail Lease Agreement with Dollar Tree at Market Square in Casselberry, Boosts occupancy to 100 Percent

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 13,436 square feet of retail space at Market Square Shopping Center, 1442 SR 436 at the intersection of Howell Branch Rd. in Casselberry. NAI Realvest Associate Mitch Heidrich assisted by Principals Kevin O’Connor and Matt Cichocki negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Herbert Kunstadt of New York. The new tenant Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. of Chesapeake, Va. leased Unit C, the space in between Harbor Freight Tools and Big Lots at Market Square Shopping Center, and is scheduled to open by the end of July. The tenant was represented by Marc Sullivan and Joanna Robinson of The Shopping Center Group. The new lease boosts Market Square Shopping Center occupancy to 100 percent.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Launches Global marketing effort to sell 3,100 acre Hunter’s Ridge Development site in Ormond Beach

HEATHROW, Fla. — Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has launched a global marketing effort to sell the remaining 3,100 acres in Hunter's Ridge, a DRI development located just west of I-95 in Ormond Beach that has approval for development of nearly 1,900 residences and more than 600,000 square feet of commercial development. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said development of Hunter’s Ridge began about 15 years ago but was suspended when the real estate market started to collapsed in 2006. “Now that the real estate market in Florida is booming again, the market for an approved DRI-scale development is very strong,” Soderstrom said. “Developers and investors are aggressively seeking prime properties and Hunter’s Ridge has enormous potential and a very reasonable offering price of $15 million,” Soderstrom said. Major infrastructure is already in place at Hunter’s Ridge to accommodate future development, including an elementary school on site. The Hunter’s Ridge site, located on State Road 40 (Grenada Boulevard), the western gateway into Ormond Beach, is now the epicenter of a new Ormond Beach growth corridor, Soderstrom added. “Development of the new 396-bed Florida Memorial Hospital, along with medical facilities, retail centers, restaurants, and cafes around State Road 40 and I-95 significantly increases the value of the Hunter’s Ridge site,” Soderstrom said, adding “Not to mention the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway are minutes away.” Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty associates John Kurtz, Mark Arnold, and Roger Soderstrom are representing the property. For more information visit http://www.huntersridgefl.com

First Green Bank to open Winter Park Branch in January

Mount Dora, Fla. --- First Green Bank, which the American Bankers Association ranks as one of the nation’s greenest banks, has closed on the acquisition of a property at 862 S. Orlando Ave. at Minnesota Ave. in Winter Park that will be the home of the bank’s first Winter Park branch office. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer at First Green Bank, said workers are rehabing a 6,000 square foot building that is located on a highly visible corner and formerly served as the home of an Absolute Sound Outlet. First Green Bank will spend more then $1 million to renovate the building to LEED Gold standards. The work — which will include unique improvements to make the building more energy efficient and sustainable — a First Green Bank trademark — will be completed by the end of the year for a targeted opening in January. First Green Bank’s award winning headquarters facility in U.S. 441 in Mount Dora ranks as the first commercial building in Lake County and only the second commercial building in Florida to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s coveted LEED Platinum designation for leadership in energy-efficient design. First Green Bank currently has branch facilities in Clermont, Ormond Beach and a newly opened downtown Orlando branch.

ICI Homes Names Reginald Jordan Social Media and Communications Specialist

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes has appointed Reginald Jordan social media and communications specialist. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes, said Jordan earned his B.A. Degree in political science and pre-law from Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. and has 15 years of experience in publishing, audience development and social media.

ICI Homes unveils four bedroom Salerno model home at Grand Hampton in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. -- ICI Homes, which ranks as one of the most active luxury community developers in Florida, has opened the Salerno model home at its gated, master-planned community located in New Tampa between Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and I-75, just south of E. County Line Road on Dunham Station Drive. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said the Salerno model home offers 2,837 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. Grand Hampton’s Salerno is a one-story customizable design priced from $419,900. ICI Homes has less than 20 home sites remaining at Grand Hampton where residents enjoy a community clubhouse and swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts and children’s playground.

Local Personal-Injury Law Firm to Sponsor Social Security Seminar

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES – If you or someone you know need to file a Social Security Disability claim, you won’t want to miss the free Social Security Disability Seminar presented Aug. 10 by the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell. During the three-hour session – which will be held at The Shores Resort and Spa, 2637 S. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach Shores – Luis Gracia, a partner in the personal-injury firm, will take seminar attendees step-by-step through the filing process to gain disability funds. Gracia, whose area of practice focuses primarily on Social Security disability, workers’ compensation, personal injury and wrongful deaths, said the seminar will enlighten residents on their rights regarding disability. “We want people who attend the seminar to learn the proper procedures to be successful in filing a claim,” he said. “To do that, they first need to know what the laws are and which agencies they should be dealing with.” Those interested in attending the 9 a.m. seminar can pre-register by calling 386-788-7700 or visiting www.rueziffra.com/ssd-seminar, or registering on the day of the session at 8:45 a.m. Those unable to attend the August session are invited to another seminar on Oct. 26 at Holiday Inn Express, 1330 Saxon Blvd. in Orange City. Light refreshments will be available at each event.

Centex Opens Two New Model Homes at The Reserve at Crossing Creek in Bradenton, Grand Opening Event Slated for August 10

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Centex recently completed two new single-family model homes at The Reserve at Crossing Creek, located off Creekwood Blvd. in Bradenton, west of I-75 off SR-70. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the company, said Centex will host a grand opening event to showcase its newest Bradenton community on Saturday, August 10. The Vernon Hill II model at the Reserve at Crossing Creek is one of the most popular designs from the company’s new home portfolio, Mairn said. The three-bedroom, two-bath home offers 1,911 square feet of living space with a den, an open island kitchen with a breakfast nook, and a spectacular great room. The model showcases the optional loft which also includes a fourth bedroom and bath, increasing the living space to 2,629 square feet. The two-story Mendoza II model, with a majestic 3,242 square feet of living space, features four bedrooms, two full baths and a half-bath, a game room and a large open family living area that encompasses a great room, an open island kitchen, dining nook, and a formal living and dining areas. The decorated model showcases several optional living spaces, including a den in lieu of the formal living room and an optional fifth bedroom with full third bath on the first floor. Mairn said Centex is already entertaining visitors at The Reserve at Crossing Creek in its new sales center. “I expect we will be announcing our first new home sales at The Reserve at Crossing Creek during our grand opening event August 10,” Mairn said. Live music, refreshments and tours of The Reserve at Crossing Creek model park are scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Centex plans to build 88 single-family homes at the Reserve at Crossing Creek priced from the high $100s.

Sundog Software CEO Frank Kane is Guest Columnist in Military Technology Training Magazine

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Frank Kane, founder and chief executive officer of Sundog Software in Orlando, which creates highly realistic specialized software used by developers worldwide to design training simulators and computer games, was invited to provide a guest column recently in Military Training Technology Magazine, the world’s leading professional publication for producers and users of training simulation equipment in military and commercial environments. Kane wrote about the cost benefits the commercial gaming industry provides for military buyers and defense contractors, and the competitive advantage enjoyed by providers who focus on both military and commercial gaming products. The military is able to acquire highly advanced training simulators at much lower costs thanks to the commercial gaming industry, Kane said. “We’re able to offer our 3-D water, sky and cloud effects at a much lower price than competing products made exclusively for the military training and simulation industry, since the game developer market is larger and also demands lower price points,” Kane wrote. Sundog Software’s newest Triton Ocean SDK software library Version 2.1, which is distributed worldwide, adds highly realistic three-dimensional water effects to games, simulations, and training applications with unparalleled realism in the look and action of ocean forces. “It’s possible today to create high-fidelity image generators capable of simulating the entire earth without incurring any per-channel licensing costs. Technology such as ours crossing over from the game development world, combined with the maturation of open-source frameworks, is making immersive training environments possible with very modest budgets,” Kane wrote. 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.

Emerson International Negotiates Three Leases for 3,952 Square Feet of Office Space in Maitland, Altamonte Springs, Longwood

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated three new commercial property leases that total 3,952 square feet of Class A office space in Longwood, Maitland and Altamonte Springs. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing at Emerson International, negotiated an office lease agreement for 2,809 square feet of space at 2600 Maitland Center Parkway in Maitland. The tenant, VMAX Vision, Inc., was represented by Jason Schrago of CNL Commercial in the transaction Koch also negotiated a new office lease for 730 square feet of space at 2180 Sanlando Center on West SR 434 in Longwood. T.I.B. Insurance Brokers, Inc. is the new tenant. Zack Starkey, commercial leasing associate at Emerson International negotiated a new lease agreement for 413 square feet of office space in the CenterPointe Office Park at 370 CenterPointe Circle in Altamonte Springs. Cunningham Sales, Inc. is the new tenant.

Lennar names New Associate for Tampa Bay region

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida division, has named Anna Litchfield as new home consultant in the Tampa Bay region. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Litchfield will be working out of the Thousands Oaks community in Trinity in Pasco County. Metheny said Litchfield is a graduate of Kansas State University with over 20 years experience in architecture, engineering and construction in the Southeast. She is originally from Cape Girardeau, Mo. but has lived in the Tampa Bay area for more than 15 years. Litchfield is currently a Registered Florida Architect and Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate.

ICI Homes Appoints Matt Boltz East Central & Central Florida Divisions Sales Manager

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes has appointed Matt Boltz sales manager in its East Central and Central Florida divisions. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes, said Boltz has more than 20 years of experience as a home building executive. He formerly served as division president of Mercedes Homes in the Volusia-Flagler region and vice president of operations at Henin Homes in Winter Park and DeBary. “Matt Boltz is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable sales executives in the Central Florida region and we are delighted he has joined the ICI Homes team,” Messina said.

MERITAGE HOMES NAMES PAT RECIO PURCHASING DIRECTOR

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes has appointed Pat Recio director of purchasing in the Orlando region. Brian Kittle, division vice president at Meritage Homes, said Recio, a graduate of Elon College in North Carolina, has more than 19 years of experience in the homebuilding industry and formerly held management positions at Ryland Homes.

Meritage Homes Opens New Model Home at Fisher Plantation in Apopka

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes recently opened its first model home at its newest community, Fisher Plantation located on Schopke-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 the new model – The Palermo – offers five bedrooms and four baths in 3,082 square feet of living area. The model features a state-of-the-art learning center to demonstrate energy efficient building techniques. Kittle 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 mid $200s to the mid $300s.

Villages of Royal Palm Reports sales of luxury homes for active adults doubled in first six months of this year

PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- The Villages of Royal Palm reports that sales of luxury homes for active adults are up more than 100 percent over last year. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc., which is developing the Villages of Royal Palm, said the luxury community sold 16 new homes from Jan. 1, 2013 through June 30. The average sale price of a new home at the Villages of Royal Palm for the first half of 2013 was $275,000.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease with Perfume Paris at Kissimmee Shopping Center

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 3,597 square feet at Kissimmee Shopping Center 2501-2573 Old Vineland Road in Kissimmee. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest negotiated the transactions representing the landlord, Herndon, Va.-based KVOS, LLC. Perfume Paris, Inc. leased unit 2539 at Kissimmee Shopping Center to open its third location offering fine perfumes at discount prices. Partyka added that Kissimmee Shopping Center is the retailer’s second location in Central Florida following another store on Osceola Parkway. Jeremy Gomez of G World Realty & Investments, Inc. represented the tenant. Other major tenants at Kissimmee Shopping Center include Nike, Beall’s, Dollar Tree, Tommy Hilfiger and Converse.

NAI Realvest negotiates Lease Agreement for another Once Upon a Child store in Waterford Lakes area

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a long-term lease agreement for 4,200 square feet at 2504 Alafaya Trail near Waterford Lakes in Orlando. Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail services at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the tenant, Waterford Kids Clothes LLC. Birdie said with this lease altogether he has closed seven leases for Winmark Corporation, parent company of Once Upon a Child. The local landlord is Spoudaza 12, LLC represented by Davey Brown of Bishop Beale.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease Agreements with High Tech, Insurance and Staffing Firms in Maitland and Orlando

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated three lease agreements for office space totaling 2,657 square feet in both the Maitland Center area and at Plaza Central on South Orange Blossom Trail. Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM and Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal in the firm, negotiated a new lease at Suite 401, 2201 Lucien Way in Maitland representing the local landlord Florida Bramingham Construction, Inc. The new tenant, who was not represented by a separate broker, is Atlantic.Net.Inc., a provider of dedicated data center and cloud hosting services. Kelley and associate Chris Adams represented the landlord at Plaza Central, 6220 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando in brokering two lease agreements with local tenants American Integrity Insurance who leased suite 136 with 595 square feet of office space and Magnus Staffing LLC who renewed its lease of suite 115 with 616 square feet.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty named exclusive broker for 20+ acre luxury estate adjacent to Heathrow

Lake Mary, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a 20+ acre estate located off Markham Woods Road north of Lake Mary Blvd. and bordering Heathrow in Lake Mary. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the new listing, one of the most exclusive estate properties in Central Florida, is offered for $4.95 million. The gated estate property is fully fenced and borders on a private lake. The European-style estate home offers 15,800 square feet of living space with six bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths. The estate includes an additional 3,000 square foot guest house with three bedrooms, three full baths and a half bath. Altogether, the property includes garage space for 10 vehicles and seven additional carports, a 10-stall horse barn and a spacious two-story air conditioned studio with a caretaker’s apartment. Soderstrom said the estate features a luxurious swimming pool, spa and pool deck, a sandy beach and covered boat dock, a tennis court and a tree house. “This estate is a one-of-a-kind property that will certainly draw an international audience,” Soderstrom said. “Its features, size and location make it a priceless property,” he said. To view a video of he estate visit http://www.stirlingsir.com/eng/3400michigan Sally Andy and David Warren with Stirling Sotheby's International Realty's Heathrow Marketing Center are representing the property and are the principal contacts.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Negotiates New Long-Term Lease of Signature Penthouse Space in The Plaza’s North Tower

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently negotiated a new six-year lease agreement for the 10,000 square feet of penthouse office space with a 10,000 square foot rooftop garden terrace in The Plaza, located at 121 S. Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando. John Kurtz, commercial specialist with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, negotiated the $1.5 million lease with Team Gemini LLC, a sustainable project design and development company. The Plaza north tower penthouse, which overlooks Lake Eola, will serve as the world headquarters of Team Gemini which is expanding rapidly due in part to a $300 Million flagship project in Ohio. Kurtz brokered the transaction representing the landlord ACM DT Properties LLC and Team Gemini.

Orlando Company Eyes Nationwide Food Network with TV Show, Corporate Programs, Books and Mouth-Watering Recipes

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Move over, Rachel Ray. Chill out, Gordon Ramsey. There’s a new chef in town and Isabella Morgia di Vicari a/k/a Chef Isabella plans to change the way Americans think about the family dinner table---and maybe about America too. Chef Isabella, founder Isabella’s Bella Cucina in Orlando – with clients throughout Florida, and in New York, Chicago and San Francisco – plans to turn her unique blend of healthy home cooking, passion and philosophy into a food empire that will benefit everyone it touches. Chef Isabella now has her own cooking show, “At the Table with Isabella” that will air this fall on Good Life TV45. The series will consist of 13 half hour segments, once a week, at a prime time date and time to be determined. Chef Isabella says the show will be more than a cooking show: “It will be about bringing the family back to the table, to family traditions and about bringing communities and America back to health at the table.” Meanwhile, Chef Isabella stages entertaining cooking demonstrations to teach corporate groups team-building, innovation, self-sufficiency and the joys of cooking and eating well. She’s performed before corporate boards and conventions of 3,000 people. “The tools of the kitchen are the tools for life,” Chef Isabella said. “It’s how you bring the family to the table. “The foundation of a strong family is the foundation of a strong corporation and in turn the foundation of a strong America,” she said. Isabella’s Bella Cucina web site ‒ www.foodwithpassion.com ‒ is increasingly popular and Chef Isabella recently published a Kindle book – What Can I Bring? – available at Amazon.com. She already appeared on The Daily Buzz, Growing Bolder on PBS, The Good Life, Ivanhoe News, American Italian Radio, Central Florida News 13 and the Brighthouse Network’s Spanish channel InfoMas. Chef Isabella also serves as an E-How chef and plans more projects with the innovative web portal. “Food is love,” Chef Isabella said. “Good food is a blessing. And with a little help -- and passion – anyone can learn the very simple, very basic skills that will bring their family to the table every time,” she said. Isabella’s Bella Cucina is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.

As Mortgage Rates Rise, Loans to Refinance Decline but New Mortgages Are Way Up

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Rising mortgage rates are changing the mortgage business. That’s the word from Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, the region’s largest and most active privately-owned residential mortgage provider. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan, said the rise — though slight — has put the damper on applications for refinancing loans. “For some home owners, an increase in mortgage interest rates makes it less sensible to refinance their existing mortgage,” Malloy said. But, Malloy said, mortgage financing for new purchases of new or existing homes is way up. “We’re seeing a 45 percent increase in mortgage loans for new purchases,” Malloy said. With 11 offices in Jacksonville, Port Orange, Lake Mary, Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Maitland Center, 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.

Pulte Homes Starts Construction of Three Model Homes at Camden Lakes in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has started construction of three new single-family model homes at Camden Lakes, the homebuilder’s newest community located west of I-75 in North Naples, off Livingston Road, just 1.6 miles north of Immokalee Road. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte Homes, said all three model homes along with a new sales center will grand open in early October. In the interim, home buyers at Camden Lakes are now being welcomed at The Quarry Beach Club, located at 8975 Kayak Drive in Naples. Pulte Homes plans to build 150 homes at Camden Lakes and eight floor plans will be available ranging from 1,761 square feet of living space, priced from $309,990. The three new model homes under construction include the Martin Ray, a single-story home with two bedrooms, a flex room and two baths in 1,968 square feet of living space priced from $324,990 with a two-car garage. The model will showcase optional features – third bedroom and second story loft with fourth bedroom and full bath – which increase the living space to 2,821 square feet. The Cameron model, with 2,384 square feet of living space priced from $404,990, offers three bedrooms plus a den and three baths with a three-car garage, an island kitchen and a majestic open floor plan with more than 600 square feet of family living and entertainment space. With four bedrooms and three baths, the Windsor II offers 3,078 square feet of living space in a single-story floor plan that includes a three-car garage. Priced from $474,990, the Windsor II is one of the most popular Pulte Home designs, with an enormous open family living area that includes an island kitchen, great room with coffered ceiling, dining room and screened lanai, along with a den and a flex room. The plan also offers a popular zero-corner sliding glass door option. Mairn said Pulte Homes plans to host a grand opening event in October to showcase the three new models and sales center at Camden Lakes. The community features a unique European Manor architectural style with an amenity center that includes a resort style swimming pool, fitness center, community gathering room, catering kitchen, pavilion, covered veranda and playfield.

Construction underway of Pulte's new Malibu Model Town Home at Sandpiper Cove in Jupiter, Grand Opening Slated for October

Jupiter, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has started construction of its new Malibu model town home at Sandpiper Cove, located on Black Ironwood Road off Indian Creek Parkway in Jupiter. Scott Mairn, vice president of Sales and Marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte Homes, said the Malibu offers two owner’s suites, each with a its own full bath, plus a loft and a first floor half-bath in 1,445 square feet of living space. The design also features a rear-entry two-garage and a second-floor balcony. Mairn said Pulte Homes will host a grand opening event in October at Sandpiper Cove to showcase four new town home designs and the new decorated model that will be accompanied by a sales and information center. Pulte Homes plans to build 32 new two and three-bedroom town homes at Sandpiper Cove that range from 1,129 square feet of living area to 1,485 square feet with rear-entry two-car garages. Prices will start from the high $100s. Sandpiper Cove features a community swimming pool, cabana and tennis court. Located five miles from the beaches, Sandpiper Cove offers direct access to Abacoa shopping, dining, parks and recreational facilities.

First Green Bank President Paul Rountree is Celebrity Dancer at Stepping Out For Education Gala to Benefit Educational Foundation of Lake County

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- What would it take to get a bank president to endure 20 hours of dance lessons and then showcase his new tango, fox trot, rumba, cha cha and swing skills with professional dance partners at a gala dinner in front of some of the most influential people in Lake County? For Paul Rountree, president of First Green Bank in Mount Dora, the answer is education. Rountree plans to dance his way through the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat at 2013 Stepping out for Education, a gala dinner and dance exhibition to benefit the Educational Foundation of Lake County on Saturday, July 27 at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora. To purchase tickets for the 5:30 p.m. event -- $125 for general seating and $150 for preferred seating – which includes a five-course gourmet dinner, call 352-326-1265. Rountree is one of more than a dozen local celebrity dancers who will compete in a Dancing with The Stars format, no doubt to the delight of dinner guests. Rountree, who admits his dance skills are improving, said he plans to unveil a few new moves at Stepping Out for Education. “The wonderful thing about community service is that you can sometimes make a complete fool of yourself, have a great time doing it, and achieve something of real value anyway,” Rountree said. After 20 hours of dance lessons, Rountree said he’s up for the competition. “I’ve learned that dancing with a practiced partner is a lot different from watching someone dance. Once you learn the steps and commit them to muscle memory, it’s really kind of fun,” Rountree said. Rountree said he isn’t worried about missteps. “First of all, our partners are professional ballroom dancers, so they’ll help us look good. And second, celebrity ballroom dancing is a lot safer than celebrity bull riding,” Rountree said.

Ryland Homes Alexander model town home under construction at Six Fifty Six Coleman in Mount Pleasant

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Ryland Homes has started construction of a new luxury model townhome called the Alexander at Six Fifty Six Coleman, an exclusive community located at 656 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. Gayle Jinks, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston region, said the Alexander model will offer 2,414 square feet of living area with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths plus a two-car garage and covered porch priced from $364,000. Jinks said Ryland has only 22 home sites remaining at Six Fifty Six Coleman for the three- level luxury townhomes that range from 2,100 to 2,414 square feet, priced from $335,000 to $364,000. Some special features Ryland Homes offers at Six Fifty Six Coleman include chef’s kitchen, energy efficient appliances, premium cabinetry, counters and faucetry, hardwood and tile floorings, covered porch, optional private elevator, bonus room and loft.

Integrity Home Loan hosting, sponsoring Sunday afternoon Radio Program on Mortgage Rates, home owner Strategies

LAKE MARY, Fla. — Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, which ranks as the state’s largest privately-owned, Florida based residential mortgage company, is hosting and sponsoring “The Real Estate Debate” on WDBO AM 540 Radio airing Sundays from 1 to 2 p.m., featuring Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan and occasional guests. Malloy, whose company provided more than 2,700 mortgage loans last year that totaled more than $600 million from 11 offices in Jacksonville, Lake Mary, Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Tampa, Clearwater, West Palm Beach, Coral Springs and Southfield, Michigan, said mortgage interest rates and residential mortgage strategies are an important component of the national economy. “For most people who own their home or plan to buy a home, mortgage interest rates become critical information, and refinancing an existing mortgage can substantially improve a family’s financial picture,” Malloy said. “The Real Estate Debate” covers all the ways families are planning their futures around their homes, whether buying, selling or refinancing,” Malloy said. Malloy projects Integrity will serve up more than 3,200 residential mortgage loans in 2013.

Top Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Associate Undertakes Holy, Historic Pilgrimage to Santiago De Compostella in Spain

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Marketing Specialist Lori Humbarger and husband David of Lake Mary recently embarked on the final leg of a historic Christian pilgrimage in Galicia, the autonomous state at the northwest tip of Spain about 20 miles from the Portuguese border. “The Way of St. James is a religious pilgrimage that has been undertaken since the 11th century A.D.,” Humbarger explained. “By the early 12th century the pilgrimage was a highly organized affair,” she said. The historic route, an ancient Roman trading road to Cape Finisterre, the Latin word for “end of the earth,” starts near Paris and meanders through the Pyrenees mountains and across Spain’s Basque region to the town of Santiago de Compostella, reputed to be the final resting place of St. James, one of Christ’s Apostles. “Traditionally, The Way of St. James starts at the pilgrim’s front door,” Humbarger said. The couple is traveling the final seven-day, 75-mile leg of the journey by train with back packs, resting in communal inns and walking through medieval villages, she said. “We’ve been training with full packs for weeks,” Humbarger said. “There is great merit to the pilgrimage and those of culture understand its value,” she said. Many athletes make this pilgrimage but most are ordinary people, and everyone does it for a different reason. Self fulfillment or spiritual fulfillment, whatever the reason, the end result is a feeling of achievement and great satisfaction,” Humbarger explained. “It was truely organic.” Humbarger, a luxury home specialist with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is a 29-year industry veteran.

Lennar's Isabella model at Twin Eagles in Naples is open and Ready for Viewing

Naples, Fla. --- Lennar Homes recently opened its three-bedroom Isabella model home at Twin Eagles, the award-winning golf course community located seven miles east of I-75 off Immokalee Rd. in Naples. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said the 2,246 square foot Isabella is among Lennar’s Executive Series of new home designs with a popular Florida-inspired open floor plan. Located at 12509 Fenhurst Way in Naples, the Isabella offers a sweeping flow from the covered entry through a wide foyer into a massive open family living area that includes an island kitchen, formal dining area and huge family room that opens onto a 24-foot screened lanai. The master suite is large too with walk-in closets and luxurious master bath. Lennar’s Executive Series homes at Twin Eagles offer four distinctive single-family floor plans including the two-bedroom/den Victoria, the three-bedroom Nina and four-bedroom Sophia. “The Isabella floor plan is spectacular and the ultimate reflection of the Twin Eagles environment,” Devereaux said. “The community boasts more than 1,115 acres of preserves, lakes and miles of biking, jogging and walking paths, with gorgeous preserve and golf course views,” Devereaux said. Lennar has some 30 home sites remaining at Twin Eagles for new homes that range from 1,649 square feet of living space to 2,246 square feet, priced from the $400s. Each new Lennar-built home at Twin Eagles comes with Lennar’s Everything’s Included pledge: a wide variety of appliances, special features, designer materials and upgrades at one Lennar price. “That price also includes a golf course membership which is a very special value,” Devereaux said. Twin Eagles offers 36 holes of championship golf and a glamorous 47,000 square foot clubhouse with casual and fine dining. The master-planned community also offers Har-Tru tennis courts and a state-of-the art exercise and aerobics area.

Lennar’s New Verandas at Treviso Bay Showcase Provincial Italian Architecture with Distinctly American Features

Naples, Fla. --- Provincial Treviso in Italy is best known as birthplace of tiramisu and home of the finest radicchios grown anywhere in the world. Now Lennar Homes is upping the ante at Treviso Bay, the spectacular golf course community on Tamiami Trail between St. Andrews and Collier Blvds. in Naples. The energetic architectural style of Lennar’s elegant new Verandas at Treviso Bay draws its inspiration from the northern Italian province. And, says Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar in southwest Florida, Lennar’s three new floor plans add a distinctly modern---and American---sense of space, energy-efficient engineering and value. Priced from the mid-$200s, Lennar’s two-bedroom, two-bath Verandas at Treviso Bay include a den and range in size from 1,414 square feet of living space to 1,661 square feet. In the Arabella, priced from $272,990, Lennar’s sweeping design maximizes living space with a living and dining room served by a pass-through, dine-in kitchen that opens onto a screened and covered lanai to let the outdoors in. The Arabella’s huge master bedroom suite features his-and-her walk-in closets, a corner bath, a corner shower and double sinks. With the purchase of a Lennar home at The Verandas at Treviso Bay, homebuyers automatically become a member of the golf club with no dues or fees. “The Verandas at Treviso Bay were designed for social living with a distinctly Naples style,” Devereaux said. “That means maintenance-free, with Lennar’s Everything’s Included pledge – a selection upgrades added all for the one Lennar price – one of the highest-rated energy efficiency packages in the industry, and all the spectacular amenities you can enjoy in a truly breathtaking community,” Devereaux explained. At the heart of Treviso Bay is the planned Champions Clubhouse. In addition to the amenities associated with world-class golf – the Arthur Hills-designed golf course is a PGA Tour Tournament Players' Club (TPC) course – members will enjoy a tennis center with pro shop, health club/spa/fitness center, aerobics and palates studios, bocce courts, resort-style pool with beach entry and adult area lap lanes, beach front lake area, and a year-round social calendar.

ICI Homes appoints Andrea Johnson Sales Associate at St. Johns Forest

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- ICI Homes has appointed Andrea Meide Johnson a New Home Sales Consultant at St. Johns Forest, a luxury community located off I-95 and C.R. 210 in northwest St. Johns County. ICI Homes Corporate Marketing Manager Lisa Egle said Johnson is a fourth-generation Jacksonville native who earned her B.S. Degree in Finance at Florida State University and her Florida Real Estate license in 2000. Johnson formerly served as a sales associate at Lennar Homes.

Cuhaci & Peterson completes design work on new 16,000 square foot office building for D’Argent Properties

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners completed design work for a new 16,000 square foot office building located on NW 8000 Rd. in Andrews, Texas. Commercial real estate developer D’Argent Properties awarded the building design contract.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completes design of new Publix in Sarasota County

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed the design of a new Publix supermarket located off U.S. 41 and Laurel Road in Nokomis in Sarasota county. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci and Peterson, said the new Publix will offer 45,000 square feet of space and is part of the redevelopment of a center that had an older Publix. Construction should be complete by the end of the year. The developer of the facility is the Sembler Company

CUHACI & PETERSON COMPLETES DESIGN WORK ON TWO PROJECTS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners completed design work on two projects in the state of New York. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson, said the two projects include: • Design work on renovation a 30,000 square foot Price Chopper grocery store and 10,000 square feet of adjacent retail space in Alexandra Bay, New York. • Design of a new Ale House in Queens, N.Y. (Rego Park) -- 9,700 square feet;

LENNAR BREAKS GROUND ON DEERFIELD LAKES IN PASCO COUNTY

TAMPA, Fla. – Lennar recently broke ground on its newest community of Deerfield Lakes located in Spring Hill off Suncoast Parkway and S.R. 52 in Pasco County. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said there are 58 homesites in the first phase of Deerfield Village. New Lennar homes on 50- and 70-foot homesites will range from 1,721 square feet to 3,711 square feet of living area, priced from the upper $100s. Metheny said a new model home – the Simmitano – is now underway at Deerfield Village. The two-story Simmitano, with 2,562 square feet of living space debuts a new Lennar floor plan that offers four bedrooms, a loft and an upstairs bonus room, Metheny added. All Lennar homes at Deerfield Village will feature the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and upgrades at the one Lennar “everything’s included” price, Metheny said. Visit www.Lennar.com/Tampa

PulteGroup in South Florida Honors Top Salesperson for June

Bonita Springs, Fla. --- PulteGroup in South Florida has named Janise Turner its Top Sales Consultant for June, 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 Turner 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. Turner, a Philadelphia native, has lived in South Florida 14 years and has been with PulteGroup for two years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business/Pre-law from Drexel University and has more than nine years of experience in the residential real estate industry. Turner currently sells new two and three-bedroom single-family homes by DiVosta Homes 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.

Ride Green Scooters in Winter Park adds electric scooters to its product lineup.

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Ride Green Scooters on West Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park has announced the addition of Tao Tao’s ATE-501 electric scooter to the lineup of its gas-saving motor scooters. Ron Schwartz, a principal with Ride Green Scooters, says the Tao Tao electric scooter complies with Federal and Florida State statutes so that no driver’s license, registration or license plate is required. “This is great news for those who need transportation to work at a modest price, and do not have a driver’s license,” Schwartz said. Affectionately called a “DUI scooter,” the vehicle is fully automatic and goes 20 mph, requires 4-6 hours to charge its battery and goes 30 miles or more on a charge depending on the weight of the rider and the speed. The Tao Tao electric has a 500 watt electric engine, push button start, disc brakes on the front wheel and drum brakes on the rear, and it is fully ‘street legal.’ The Tao Tao electric is an exciting addition to the lineup of Ride Green’s showroom of models.

The Henin Group names Elizabeth Henin President of Henin Realty

WINTER PARK, Fla. – The Henin Group, with headquarters located in Winter Park and a luxury community in DeBary, has named Elizabeth Henin, president of its Henin Realty division. Jerome Henin, principal at The Henin Group, said Elizabeth Henin has more than 10 years of experience in real estate brokerage sales and management. Most recently she was the senior director of resale operations and brokerage services for Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp., representing luxury brands including The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott. Henin said she plans to expand the realty company, now located on Lee Road in Winter Park. The Henin Group also has offices in Miami and Paris.

Henin Homes Names New Sales Associate

WINTER PARK Fla. – Henin Homes has named 20-year veteran Lisa K. Lind sales associate at Riviera Bella, the luxury community Henin Homes is developing in DeBary overlooking the St. Johns River. Jerome Henin, president of Henin Homes, Inc. said Lind, who holds a degree in International Business from the University of Arizona, has more than 20 years of experience in real estate including sales and marketing. She most recently held executive positions with National Land Partners in Orlando.

Henin Homes has only one ready-to-move-in home available at Riviera Bella in DeBary

DEBARY, Fla. --- Henin Homes with headquarters in Winter Park, and developing the Riviera Bella in DeBary, has only one move-in ready home available at the luxury community. Jerome Henin, president of Henin Homes said the ready-to-move-in home – Henin Homes Darina floor plan – offers four bedrooms and two baths in a one-story design with 2,396 square feet of living area and a two-car garage priced at $329,900. Henin also said Henin Homes at Riviera Bella will close on sales of six new homes by the end of July, averaging about 2,800 square feet and priced in the $300,000 range. The award winning Riviera Bella community overlooks the St. Johns River off Fort Florida Road, west of the 17-92 / Highbanks Road intersection in DeBary. Amenities at the community include a clubhouse with pool, media and fitness centers along with a private boat ramp.

Hendricks-Berkadia Negotiates Sale of Oaks at Springville Apartments in Birmingham for $5,100,000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Hendricks-Berkadia, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of Oaks at Springville Apartments, a 232-unit apartment community located in Birmingham, for $5.1 million. David Etchison, senior associate and David Oakley, senior vice president of Hendricks-Berkadia Alabama office negotiated the sale representing the seller, Outland Investments, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, based in Birmingham. Oaks at Springville, constructed in 1973, has a total of 203,230 square feet of rentable living space with one- and two-bedroom apartments. The buyer was The Oaks HLD, LLC, based in San Diego, Calif.

Cloud 3C Earns Top-Ranking Partnership with Leading Global Networking & Communications Provider

Oviedo, Fla. --- Cloud 3C, a best in class provider of telecommunications solutions for businesses and government agencies, has earned the coveted Triple Crown partnership designation from ADTRAN, one of the world’s leading providers of networking and equipment to such telecommunications giants as AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink and L3. Chris Caffera, Vice President Business Development for Cloud 3C, said ADTRAN’s Triple Crown designation signifies that Cloud 3C services are fully integrated with ADTRAN’s IP telephony, switch, router and wireless solutions. “ADTRAN’s Triple Crown designation ranks as one of the most sought-after benchmarks in the telephony industry,” Caffera said. Only 10 percent of ADTRAN’s provider partners are designated Triple Crown Partners, Caffera said. “Triple Crown certifies that Cloud 3C is the “go to” solutions provider for expert assistance in IP telephony, switch, router and wireless,” Caffera said. “We are fully capable of providing our clients with the same level of products, protocols and technology as those deployed by the giants of the telephony industry. For a small business that wants a best in class communications network, we can offer the best in the industry,” he said. As a Triple Crown Partner, Cloud 3C can offer SMB/SME and Enterprise businesses through ADTRAN lower costs of ownership, industry-leading warranties, free firmware for the life of the products and unlimited toll-free technical support, Caffera added. Cloud 3C is a member the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.

President of Plasmonics Inc. in Orlando to Speak at Eighth Annual Night Vision Systems Conference in Arlington, Va.

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Dr. David Shelton, president of Plasmonics Inc., the Orlando technology firm that is developing unique infrared metamaterials for use in advanced optical devices, modulators, and sensors, has been invited to lecture at the Eighth Annual Night Vision Systems Conference in Arlington, Va. July 29-31. Dr. Shelton will join several distinguished lecturers at the conference including Dr. Nibir Dhar of DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Bernd Gerhardt of the German Ministry of Defense and Dr. Michael Thomas of Johns Hopkins University. Participants at the Eighth Annual Night Vision Systems Conference include top photonics scientists along with representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense, major defense contractors, and leaders from around the world engaged in research, development and production of electro-optics, photonics and infrared systems. Dr. Shelton said he plans to discuss some of the cutting edge work underway at Plasmonics and to focus on Plasmonics’ work in identifying electro-optics for use in infrared systems. For more information about the conference visit www.nightvisionevent.com/. For more information about Plasmonics Inc. visit www.plasmonics-inc.com/. Plasmonics is developing tunable infrared metamaterials---engineered composites with unique refractive-index characteristics. Metamaterials with tunable resonances have wide ranging potential for optical devices, modulators, and sensors. Plasmonics is a member of the UCF Business Incubation Program’s Photonics UCF campus site.

FREE ANTI-TEXTING AND DRIVING PROGRAM ATTRACTS ENTHUSIASTIC STUDENTS AT FIVE HIGH SCHOOLS

Port Orange, Fla. -- Nearly 2,500 students from five area high schools recently entered a “text-free zone” as they participated in free hands-on anti-texting and driving lessons at their respective schools. The weeklong session – for the second time running the campaign - presented by the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra and Caldwell, and Gary Yeoman’s Ford Lincoln in Daytona Beach – was held April 29 through May 3 at five Volusia and Flagler county high schools. Students learned first-hand the dangers of texting while driving as they got behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang that was equipped with a state-of-the-art device that simulates what happens when the driver is distracted, according to Luis Gracia a partner in the personal-injury firm. A wrecked car positioned in front of each school during the sessions set the tone. “Each time we help bring the simulator to area schools the students seem more excited to participate,” Gracia said. “That enthusiasm is just what we need to get students to take the pledge against texting and driving.” Gracia or one of the other attorneys from the firm were on hand at each session to explain to students what they’ve learned first-hand by representing cases – many of which had tragic endings – that involved texting and driving. National statistics show that 50 percent of drivers between 18 and 24 say they text while driving, and data compiled from simulated sessions throughout the United States show that nearly all of those who got behind the wheel failed after speeding, swerving and sometimes even striking simulated pedestrians. Gracia said the firm plans to team up with Gary Yeoman’s and WESH 2 again to present another free texting and driving campaign in November 2013, as well as continuing to sponsor future teen safe-driving sessions that the two companies have collaborated on in the past.

NAI Realvest Negotiates $111,620 Sale Price for Industrial Condo at Monroe CommerCenter IV in Sanford

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of an industrial condo at 4240 Church St. in Monroe CommerCenter IV in Sanford for $111,620.00. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest negotiated the transaction representing the seller and developer Small Bay Partners, LLC of Maitland. Walter J. Bezerra of Sanford purchased unit 1124 with 1,350 square feet to expand his vitamin distribution business. The unit includes an office and restroom. The buyer, who also owns the 2,700 square foot unit next door, was represented in this transaction by Tomomi Morimoto of GPM Properties LLC.

NAI Realvest negotiates new lease of 14,305 square feet for Conductive Education Center’s relocation to Crossroads Business Center

MAITLAND, Fla. - NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 14,305 square feet at the Crossroads Business Center, 931 South Semoran Blvd. in Winter Park. NAI Realvest Broker Associate Drew Saphos, CCIM, Principal Christie Alexander, Associate Paul Vera and George Livingston, chairman of the firm, represented the tenant, Conductive Education Center of Orlando, Inc. CECO is a private school that offers a unique blend of therapy and education to enhance the independence of children with cerebral palsy and other motor disabilities. The school will be expanding from current facilities, also in Winter Park. The landlord Crossroads FlexxOffice Ltd. of Miami was represented by Quentin Caruso of Lee & Associates.

Park Square Homes has two new model homes underway at WaterSong Resort off U.S. 17-92 in Davenport

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes has two new model homes underway at WaterSong, a luxury resort community, located off U.S. 17-92 in Davenport south of Orlando near Disney. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said the models will offer 3,000 square feet of living area and 3,300 square feet. Park Square plans to build 40 new homes at WaterSong priced from $270,000 to $340,000. The new models will be ready for viewing late this summer, Rouhana added. WaterSong features a grand clubhouse with a swimming pool and spa, a large lounge, cyber café, state-of-the-art fitness center, sports court and children’s playground. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

Emerson International Names Marketing Coordinator

Altamonte Springs, Fla. -- Emerson International, based in Altamonte Springs, has appointed Nejha Edwards marketing coordinator. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing for Emerson International, said Edwards is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and has two years of experience.

Emerson International Negotiates Expanded Office Space for Beazer Homes at Maitland Center and Expansion Leases at CenterPointe Office Park in Altamonte Springs

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated a lease agreement with Beazer Homes for an expansion of their Orlando headquarters office space at 2600 Maitland Center Parkway. Emerson International Director of Leasing Kenneth Koch, who negotiated the expanded lease, said Beazer Homes’ offices in Maitland will now total 6,728 square feet. Zac Starkey, Commercial Associate for Emerson International negotiated two leases at CenterPointe Office Park in Altamonte Springs and one at Altamonte Lakeside Park. Starkey negotiated a renewal and expansion lease agreement with Ramco Corp at CenterPointe Office Park for a total of 1,484 square feet and at the same time, Starkey negotiated an agreement with Neno Research for expansion of its space to 2,229 square feet at CenterPointe Office Park. At Altamonte Lakeside Park, Starkey negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,177 square feet of office space with Partner Engineering and Science Inc.

Hoverfly Technologies Earns 2013 Small Business Award from Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Hoverfly Technologies, Inc., based in Winter Springs which designs and sells flight control systems for multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) was recently honored with a 2013 Small Business Award from the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Al Ducharme, a founder of the company, said Hoverfly earned its 2013 Small business Award in the New Business category — Hoverfly was launched in 2012. Ducharme is also an associate professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. Hoverfly flight control systems powered by HoverCore, a proprietary parallel processing data fusion algorithm that provides stable flight using low cost hardware is now enabling the innovative use of UAV’s in a variety of new applications in aerial photography film, security and hobby markets. Hoverfly Technologies is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at the Seminole County/Winter Springs Incubator on E. State Road 434 in Winter Springs.

New Coordinator for Research Programs/Services Hired for the University of Central Florida Business Incubator at Daytona Beach International Airport

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Gregory Smith, an urban developer and strategic planner from Trinidad, has joined the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at the Daytona Beach International Airport site as coordinator for research programs and services. With a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in planning and development from the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine, Trinidad, Smith currently is pursuing an MBA in aviation at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and plans to transfer to the university’s Ph.D. program later this year. Smith holds several other certificates in planning, finance, project management, corporate governance and coaching. Before joining UCF’s Business Incubation Program, Smith was the lead graduate research assistant at Embry Riddle for RFID and GPS. He is a pilot and also an active volunteer with organizations such as the Living Life Christian Center. In his new position as coordinator for research programs and services, Smith will be responsible for Volusia County UCF Incubator Venture Lab, according to Connie Bernal√, the incubator’s site manager. “Gregory has an impressive business development background and the necessary skills to help Volusia County incubator clients do the research they need to be successful in their business ventures,” she said.

Ready CPR launches hands on boot camp for babysitters to teach skills to teenagers

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Ready CPR, which provides expert training in CPR, Basic Life Support Skills, Heartsaver First Aid and First Time Mommy skills to professionals and caregivers, has launched Babysitter Boot Camp, a six-hour course designed to teach teens aged 11-17 essential skills necessary to provide temporary babysitting or adult care services. Christine Arbogast, MSOM, BHS, MT, CCPCT, founder and CEO of Ready CPR, said the six-hour, hands-on course is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays July 27, August 3 and August 10. Arbogast said Boot Camp for Babysitters is open to youngsters aged 11-17. “We have developed a fun and interactive classroom environment to teach our students how to be a safe and responsible babysitter,” Arbogast explained. The six-hour course, which costs $85, covers AHA CPR/AED and First Aid Certification, Danger Zones and Pool Safety, Emergency Planning, Fun Games and Activities, and Healthy Foods and Foods to Avoid. “My daughters Anna (15) and Lauren (13) both attended the babysitter boot camp where they learned CPR, safety tips and countless skills,” said Celebration resident Maria Grulich. “It made them more confident to handle a multitude of situations that can arise while babysitting or taking care of others,” she added. Arbogast said Boot Camp for Babysitters also provides aspiring babysitters with business and marketing skills, including Promoting your Business Safely, Resumes and Referrals, Business Card Templates, Interviewing Techniques, Money Saving Tips and Child Care Essentials. “Babysitting and temporary care for elderly grandparents are essential services that young people are fully capable of providing if they have the skills, knowledge and ability to make sound judgments,” Arbogast said. “We’re providing hands-on training with professional resources to help young people provide the best babysitting services available,” she said. To register for the next Boot Camp for Babysitters, telephone Christina Arbogast of Ready CPR at 888-407-5519 or visit www.readycpr.com.

Business Incubator to Celebrate Second Anniversary with Free Open House/Expo

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Fifteen University of Central Florida incubator companies will be featured July 29 at a free Open House/Expo that celebrates the second anniversary of the UCF Business Incubator at Daytona Beach International Airport, 601 Innovation Way. Highlights of the Open House/Expo – which will be held from 4 to 7 p.m.– will be the presentation of the Entrepreneur-of-the-Year award and the launch of two incubator businesses: Fusion Fitness Designs and Abraham Rosa Seasonings, according to Site Manager Connie Bernal. “This is a way for us to introduce our clients and their products, and also inaugurate our free co-working space and research corner, both of which are available for use by the community,” she said. The early- and second-stage companies currently based at the Daytona Beach location are: AbM Engineering, Abraham Rosa Seasonings, AquaSolve, Best3Bids, Better Firearms Designs, Bounce Forward, DeLand Bakery, Delta Dynamic Developments, Festival Designs, First Response Disaster Team, Fusion Fitness Designs, Klein-Yaney Media, Medical Exercise Associates, Mind to Medium, Nexis International and Source2MLS.com. To make a reservation to attend the Open House/Expo and anniversary celebration, please contact Arlene Wilson at arlene.wilson@ucf.edu or 386-872-3100.

M/I Homes names David Taylor construction superintendent at McCormick Woods in Ocoee

ORLANDO, Fla. -– M/I Homes has named veteran builder David Taylor construction superintendent at McCormick Woods, the gated family neighborhood on McCormick Road in Ocoee. David Byrnes, division president of M/I Homes, said Taylor has more than 13 years of experience in the construction industry and is a graduate of Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich. Byrnes said Taylor is a Florida certified building contractor whose wide range of construction experience includes luxury homes and commercial buildings.

M/I Homes starts construction of Corina model home at Lake Heiniger Estates in Apopka area

LAKE MARY, Fla. -- M/I Homes has started construction of the Corina model home at Lake Heiniger Estates, located off Orange Blossom Trail and Boy Scout Rd. at Pickford Circle and Lakeview Drive. The four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath Corina model offers 2,971 square feet of family living area with a three-car garage. David Byrnes, area president of M/I Homes in the Orlando region, said the two-story Corina model is one of M/I Homes’ Eco Series of homes that feature unique energy-saving engineering, construction and appliances. The Corina is priced from $251,990. M/I Homes has 34 home sites at Lake Heiniger Estates including three with lake views. Homes at Lake Heiniger Estates range from 2,100 square feet of living area to 5,300 square feet and are priced from $218,000. The Corina model home will be completed and ready for viewing in early September, Byrnes said. At the same time, Byrnes said four move-in ready homes are underway with one being available in August and the three others will be ready for move in by the Fall.

Lennar Homes to Host Groundbreaking Ceremony July 24 to Mark Start of New Neighborhood at Lakewood Ranch

Bradenton, Fla. --- Lennar Homes will host a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, July 24, to mark the start of a new neighborhood at Lakewood Ranch, located off Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Bradenton. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing at Lennar Homes in Southwest Florida, said the event will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and will include food and refreshments. Lennar plans to build 281 new homes at Lakewood Ranch from Lennar’s Manor Homes and Estate Homes collection. Lennar’s Manor Homes at Lakewood Ranch, priced from $299,990, range in size from the 2,245 square foot single-story Princeton floor plan with four bedrooms, two baths a three-car garage to the Oxford floor plan, a NextGenTM “home within a home” designed for families with multiple generations under one roof. Priced from $399,990, the two-story Oxford floor plan offers 3,828 square feet of living space with five bedrooms, three full baths and a half bath in the main family living area with a two-car garage. The one-bedroom, one-bath NextGen living area features its own kitchen and dining facilities, a private living room and a private one-car garage. Lennar plans to build Estate Homes at Lakewood Ranch in six distinctive designs that range from the Cambridge floor plan, priced from $369,990 with three bedrooms, two full baths and one half-bath in 2,394 square feet and a three-car garage, to the five-bedroom Chapel Hill floor plan that offers four full baths and a half-bath in 3,800 square feet. The two-story Chapel Hill floor plan has a 600 square foot bonus room and comes with a three-car garage.

NAI Realvest named exclusive leasing agent for 625,000 square foot Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest, which ranks as one of Central Florida’s most active commercial property brokers, was recently named exclusive leasing agent for the Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales. The team of Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, and Sales Associate Juan Jimenez, will be handling the leasing of the mall for the new Dallas-based owner, the Tabani Group, Inc., who appointed NAI Realvest as listing agent for the Mall. The 625,000 square foot mall, located on U.S. 27 in Lake Wales, will offer aggressive lease rates for new tenants. “A key priority is to attract restaurant operations along with making Eagle Ridge the center for community activities,” Partyka said.

Hendricks-Berkadia Negotiates Portfolio Sale of Five Apartment Communities in Mobile, Ala for $98 million

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Hendricks-Berkadia Apartment Real Estate Advisors, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently participated in negotiating of the sale of five apartment communities in Mobile, Ala. for $98 million. David Oakley, senior vice president of Hendricks-Berkadia in Birmingham, said the buyer, Colony Hills Capital, an investment group based in Wilbraham, Mass. paid $98 million to acquire the portfolio of properties that includes 2,000 rental apartment units. Oakley negotiated the transaction along with Tom Hinton of Hinton Properties and Richard Weavil of The Weavil Company. “In recent months, several large corporations including France’s Airbus and Austal USA have announced plans for the investment of over $600 million into manufacturing facilities in Mobile,” Oakley said. “These announcements in connection with the already burgeoning Mobile economy point to strong demand fundamentals related to the multi-family sector,” he said. According to Hendricks-Berkadia research, positive apartment absorption trends continue in the Mobile Bay area. In 2012, the average vacancy rate for the metro area was 6.2 percent, compared to 8.6 percent a year prior. Vacancy rates are expected to hold steady well into 2013, with a 6.1 percent average for the metro area. Occupancy rates have increased 2.5 percent over the past 12 months, which should lead to significant rent growth going forward. The rental apartment properties sold include Cabana Apartments, located on Michael Blvd., Pathways Place on Pathway Place, Sandpiper on Government Blvd., Windsor Place on Airport Blvd. and Yester Oaks Townhouse Apartments on Yester Oaks Drive.

Henin Homes names Bill Traback Sales Director

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Henin Homes, based in Winter Park and developing the luxury Riviera Bella community on the St. Johns River in DeBary, has named veteran home building professional Bill Traback as sales director. Jerome Henin, president of Henin Homes, Inc. said Traback has more than 20 years of experience in new home sales and will be overseeing sales of Henin Homes at Riviera Bella. Traback, who is a former sales executive with Ashton Woods Homes and D.R. Horton in Orlando, is also the sales operations director for New Home Star, a sales and marketing company based in Chicago with offices in Orlando.

Lennar to start Selling in New Phase at Emerson Park in Apopka

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar will start sales soon of new single-family homes and town homes in the next phase at Emerson Park off Ocoee-Apopka Road near the Western Beltway (SR 429) exit in Apopka. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the new phase will include 12 town homes and 83 single-family homes. Metheny said three and four-bedroom town homes in the new phase at Emerson Park will range in size from 1,600 square feet of living space to 2,100 square feet with a two-car garage, priced from the $150s New three, four, five and six-bedroom single-family homes on 55-foot and 75-foot home sites that will range in size from 1,500 square feet to 4,200 square feet will be priced from the $180s. Metheny added that all new Lennar built homes at Emerson Park come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and upgrades at the one Lennar price. Emerson Park features a private community clubhouse with kitchen for entertaining, billiards room, fitness center, a junior Olympic size swimming pool, children’s playground and nature preserve areas throughout its 200 acres of wooded rolling hills. Visit www.Lennar.com.

Geocove, the Orlando Technology Firm Featured in New Book to Teach Cities, Counties How to Prepare for Disasters

ORLANDO Fla., --- Geocove, Inc., the Orlando technology firm that developed the award-winning ARM360 GIS-based disaster assessment system for local, state and regional governments and NGOs worldwide, is featured in a new book that aims to teach cities and counties how to best prepare to manage local disasters. Geocove founder and Chief Executive Officer Karyn Tareen said the book, Enabling Comprehensive Situational Awareness, was published by California-based Esri Press and is available from book retailers worldwide. Esri produces software used in more than 300,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities to help agencies and officials plan for and react to significant events. Authors Susan L. Radke, founder and president of Berkeley Geo-Research Group, Russ Johnson, public safety and homeland security director for Esri, and Jeff Baranyi, Esri’s technical lead for the public safety market, wrote the book to help government, municipal and NGO officials use GIS resources to organize and plan mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts through data management, planning and analysis, and field operations. Geocove ranks as a leading U.S. provider of scalable assessment solutions using GIS resources for emergency management, building officials, public health and other government agencies as well as utilities and other private industries. Geocove is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

UCF Business Incubator to Launch Free “Co-Working Space” Program at Daytona Beach International Airport in July

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program will observe Volusia County Entrepreneur Month by introducing a new “co-working space” program and research library at its Daytona Beach International Airport location. The incubator – a partnership between UCF, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council – is designed to help start-up companies as well as established businesses. The new platform, according to the program’s Daytona Beach Site Manager Connie Bernal√, provides an environment where like-minded professionals can share office and research space to help grow their businesses. “After researching some home-based businesses, we discovered a need for temporary office space so that entrepreneurs can present themselves in a professional environment, attract more clients and have access to relevant research information,” she said. In addition to the two offices that are being used for co-working space, Bernal said the incubator also will designate another office for use as a resource library complete with a controlled catalog of books, free internet access and Wi-Fi, as well as access to online libraries and databases. “We are here to help not only incubator clients, but also the Volusia County business community at large,” she said. “In many cases, having such a space available could be a critical service for growth.”

Lennar to Start Sales in Newest Phase with 24 Single-Family Homes at Heritage Hills in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Lennar plans to start sales of 24 new single-family homes in the next phase at Heritage Hills, the homebuilder’s award-winning, gated, active adult community located on Hartwood Marsh Road south of S.R. 50 in Clermont. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the new two, three and four-bedroom homes will range in size from 1,500 square feet of living space to 2,900 square feet with two-car garages. Metheny added that all new homes at Heritage Hills come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and upgrades at the one Lennar price. Heritage Hills features a community center with a 19,000 square foot clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, aerobics studio, along with a swimming pool, tennis courts and a basketball court. Visit www.HeritageHillsLennar.com

NAI Realvest negotiates new lease with Glass Design of Orlando for 6,000 square feet at Fleet Financial Center in Longwood

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new industrial lease agreement for 6,000 square feet at 747 Fleet Financial Court at the Fleet Financial Center in Longwood. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction on behalf of the landlord Fleet Financial Center, Inc. The local tenant is Vitralum Glass Solutions, Inc. doing business as Glass Design of Orlando.

NAI Realvest negotiates $1.75 Million Sale of Daytona Beach Industrial Property

MAITLAND, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 45,000 ± square foot warehouse-distribution facility on a 5.85 acre site at 1806 Mason Ave. off Bill France Blvd. in Daytona Beach for $1,750,000.00. Chris Butera, investment associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing Seller Lone Star, a Dallas-based private equity fund manager. The Buyer, LRT Ventures, LLC of Valencia, Penn., purchased the property which was built in 2007 with 40,400 square feet of warehouse space and 4,600 square feet of office space. The buyer, a private investor, was represented by Dick McNerney of Adams Cameron.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Industrial Leases at Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden

Maitland, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two lease agreements that total 5,625 square feet of industrial space at 902 Carter Rd., at the Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, brokered both transactions on behalf of the landlord Carter Commerce Center, LLC. The aluminum fabrication firm of Logsdon and Associates, Inc. of Windermere leased suites 220 and 230 with 3,750 square feet, and cigar distributor Rena Investments LLC doing business as Low Ball Louies, leased suite 300 with 1,875 square feet at Carter CommerCenter.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Industrial Leases totaling 11,541 square feet at CommerCenters in Sanford, Orlando, Kissimmee

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated four industrial lease agreements totaling 11,541 square feet at four CommerCenters located in Sanford, Orlando and Kissimmee. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest brokered all four transactions on behalf of the landlords and tenants. At Monroe CommerCenter South, Heidrich negotiated the lease agreement on behalf of Maitland-based landlord COP-Monroe LLC, for 2,000 square feet with new local tenants Luis Martinez and Vanesa Gonzalez with an auto window tinting business at 647 Progress Way. At 6100 Hanging Moss Rd. Landlord COP-Hanging Moss LLC leased 4,000 square feet in Suites 540 and 550 of Hanging Moss CommerCenter to Henry Auad and Fabian Pinilla, local custom fabricators and suppliers of stone countertops. Tenants relocated from a smaller unit of 2,000 square feet in Hanging Moss CommerCenter. Islamic Society of Central Florida, Inc. renewed its lease of two suites with 4,191 square feet in Goldenrod CommerCenter, 1460 and 1476 N. Goldenrod Rd. COP-Goldenrod LLC is the landlord. Affordable Mattress Plus, Inc. leased 1,350 square feet at 1739 Business Center Lane at Poinciana CommerCenter East in Kissimmee. The Maitland based landlord at the facility is developer Small Bay Partners LLC.

Park Square Homes Acquires 50 Home Sites in Reunion Community in South Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes recently acquired 50 home sites at Reunion, the luxury gated, golf course community located on Lake Wilson Road off SR 58 and I-4, south of Orlando near Disney. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said Park Square’s new homes at Reunion will range from 3,000 square feet of living area to 3,400 square feet and will be priced from the $450s. The homes will offer five and six bedrooms, Rouhana said. At the same time, Rouhana said Park Square Homes has a new model underway at Reunion. The Floridian will offer five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths with a two-car garage, and will be priced at $459,000. The Floridian model will be completed and ready for viewing in August, Rouhana said. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

Park Square Homes Appoints Director of Purchasing and Construction Superintendent

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes has appointed Randy Jones director of purchasing and Steve Cary construction superintendent. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said Jones who has more than 20 years of experience in the homebuilding industry will work closely with the construction team on bid agreements, scopes of work, construction documents, all phases of product development. Cary who has over five years of experience in construction will oversee homebuilding activities at Park Square’s communities of Harmony, the Oaks, and Park Square’s newest community, Bellalago.

First Green Bank Reports Big Increase in Loans, Revenues, Assets

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – First Green Bank, headquartered in Mount Dora with branches in Downtown Orlando, Clermont and Ormond Beach, reported its net income from January through May 30 at more than 406,000 or $259,000 ahead of budget. Kenneth E. LaRoe, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of First Green Bank said loan volume for the same period totaled $180 million or $13 million over projections. The bank’s total assets have also grown faster than projections, LaRoe said. First Green Bank reported its assets total more than $231 million or $10 million over projections. First Green Bank plans to open a fourth branch on S. Orlando Avenue in Winter Park in January. The bank recently acquired the property with a 6,000 square foot retail building. “We are currently rehabbing the building to LEED Gold standards and expect to complete the work in time to open our new Winter Park facility in early 2014,” LaRoe said.

First Green Bank signs on as Participant in United Nations Natural Capital Declaration Program

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank has joined an august group of international banks and signed on as a participant in the United Nations Natural Capital Declaration Program. Kenneth LaRoe, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said the ongoing program will help national governments prepare for climate change. The U.N. is helping to organize experts in banking, insurance, investment and accounting to help gather data and formulate policy to meet the challenges of climate change, LaRoe said. For more information about the United Nation Natural Capital Declaration program, go to www.naturalcapitaldeclaration.org. First Green Bank ranks as one of the nation’s greenest banks, according to the American Bankers Assn.

First Green Bank signs on as Participant in United Nations Natural Capital Declaration Program

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank has joined an august group of international banks and signed on as a participant in the United Nations Natural Capital Declaration Program. Kenneth LaRoe, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said the ongoing program will help national governments prepare for climate change. The U.N. is helping to organize experts in banking, insurance, investment and accounting to help gather data and formulate policy to meet the challenges of climate change, LaRoe said. For more information about the United Nation Natural Capital Declaration program, go to www.naturalcapitaldeclaration.org. First Green Bank ranks as one of the nation’s greenest banks, according to the American Bankers Assn.