THE BRITISH CONSTITUTE MAJOR SHARE OF FLORIDA HOME BUYERS

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Foreign nationals constitute a major share of Florida home buyers as Florida real estate sales reach new record levels. Roger Soderstrom, owner and founder of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty a major real estate firm in Central Florida, said that among international home buyers British subjects rank as one of the most prominent nationalities. From July, 2012 through July, 2013 British subjects accounted for six percent of the 22,572 residential real estate transactions in Florida that involved foreign-born buyers. At the same time, Michael DeMoya, global luxury real estate advisor at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said sales to international buyers totaled more than $6.4 billion during the period, according to the National Association of Realtors, and 80 percent of those transactions were all cash. DeMoya said Orlando has been a favorite destination for the British for many years, offering a very attractive lifestyle with a plentitude of restaurants, attractions and restaurants. Soderstrom and DeMoya stressed that Orlando’s economic base is anchored by the world’s most popular tourist destination. Walt Disney World heads an enormous infrastructure of attractions and activities that attract a substantial market of workers who constitute another market segment further driving demand for housing in the region. Corporate executives, celebrities and high net worth individuals have fueled the luxury home market in areas such as Windermere, and multimillion dollar subdivisions such as Isleworth and Keenes Pointe. Housing values in Central Florida, Soderstrom said, are extremely attractive compared to other areas within the state and the U.S. In many neighborhoods a new home is priced about the same as an older existing home. Active adults of retirement age constitute the second most important segment of the housing market. Every day, approximately 1,500 Americans celebrate their 65th birthdays. Central Florida’s weather, DeMoya reminded, along with its retail opportunities, and lifestyle are particularly appealing, and the appeal to visiting children and grandchildren is an added bonus. Central Florida’s cost of living is exceptionally moderate without a personal income tax. New state of the art medical complexes such as in Lake Nona are providing a high level of quality healthcare, DeMoya added. Soderstrom said Orlando offers a long-term steady and continued growth that is sustained by a solid economic base which is strong in employment, great family environment, value priced real estate, very reasonable cost of living and entertainment options galore.

CANADIANS CONSTITUTE MAJOR SHARE OF FLORIDA HOME BUYERS

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Foreign nationals constitute a major share of Florida home buyers as Florida real estate sales reach new sales records. Roger Soderstrom, owner and founder of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty a major real estate firm in Central Florida, said that among international home buyers Canadians rank as the largest single nationality. From July, 2012 through July, 2013 Canadians accounted for 30 percent of the 22,572 residential real estate transactions in Florida that involved foreign-born buyers. At the same time, Michael DeMoya, global luxury real estate advisor at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, added that sales to international buyers totaled more than $6.4 billion during the period, according to the National Association of Realtors, and 80 percent of those transactions were all cash. DeMoya said Orlando has been a favorite destination for Canadians for many years, offering a very attractive lifestyle with a plentitude of restaurants, attractions and restaurants. Both Soderstrom and DeMoya stressed that Orlando’s economic base is anchored by the world’s most popular tourist destination. Walt Disney World heads an enormous infrastructure of attractions and activities that attract a substantial market of workers who constitute another market segment further driving demand for housing in the region. Corporate executives, celebrities and high net worth individuals have fueled the luxury home market in areas such as Windermere, and multimillion dollar subdivisions such as Isleworth and Keenes Pointe. Housing values in Central Florida, Soderstrom said, are extremely attractive compared to other areas within the state and nationally. In many neighborhoods a new home is priced about the same as an older existing home. Active adults of retirement age constitute the second most important segment of the housing market. Every day, approximately 1,500 Americans celebrate their 65th birthdays. Central Florida’s weather, DeMoya reminded, along with its retail opportunities, and lifestyle are particularly appealing, and the appeal to visiting children and grandchildren is an added bonus. Central Florida’s cost of living is exceptionally moderate without a personal income tax. New state of the art medical complex communities such as in Lake Nona are providing a high level of quality healthcare, DeMoya added. Soderstrom said Orlando offers long-term, steady and continued growth that is sustained by a solid economic base which is strong in employment, great family environment, value priced real estate, very reasonable cost of living and entertainment options galore.

ICI Homes has 36 Move-in Ready Homes for sale in the Volusia-Flagler, Jacksonville and Orlando regions

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- ICI Homes recently completed 36 ready-to-move-in luxury homes in Volusia County, Jacksonville and Orlando. Rosemary Messina, vice president of marketing and on-line sales at ICI Homes, said the ready-to-move-in luxury homes include five town homes. ICI’s ready-to-move-in single-family homes range in size from 1,743 square feet of living space to 3,698 square feet and are priced from $169,900 to $531,900. Town homes range in size from 1,563 square feet to 1,847 square feet priced from $169,900 to $203,900. Messina said the ready-to-move-in homes offer 34 distinctive floor plans ICI Homes builds luxury homes in 22 communities in the Jacksonville, Volusia-Flagler and Orlando markets.

Tournament at Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont Raises more than $5,500 for Fairways for Warriors

CLERMONT, Fla. -- Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont hosted an open golf tournament recently that drew more than 125 golfers and raised more than $5,500 for Fairways for Warriors, which provides golf outings and equipment to help wounded military veterans restart their civilian lives. Jay Scruggs, general manager at King’s Ridge Golf Club, said the Fairways for Warriors tournament was started at King’s Ridge two years ago by Rocky Nicholson of the golf shop staff, and it is one of the club’s most successful charity golf events. “Rocky organized and coordinated every aspect of this tournament from fundraising to recruiting golfers and it could not have been such a success without his dedication and hard work,” Scruggs said. Celebration Golf Management, which owns the Kings Ridge Golf Club, has adopted Fairways for Warriors as its principal charitable beneficiary. “We were blessed with perfect weather, the course is at its very best and we had one of those near perfect days that make us all remember why we chose this career in the first place,” Scruggs said.

M/I Homes names Audrey Cangialosi division controller

ORLANDO, Fla. -– M/I Homes has named Audrey Cangialosi division vice president / controller for its Orlando area homebuilding operations. David Byrnes, area president of M/I Homes in the Orlando region said Cangialosi has more than 13 years of experience including years with Meritage and Beazer Homes. A graduate of the University of South Florida with a BBA Degree in Accounting and Finance, Cangialosi started her financial career with Centex Homes.

M/I Homes completes new model home at Lake Heiniger Estates in Apopka

LAKE MARY, Fla. -- M/I Homes recently completed a new model home at its community of Lake Heiniger Estates, located at Pickford Circle and Lakeview Drive off Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka. David Byrnes, area president of M/I Homes in the Orlando region, said the model — the Corina — offers four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage in a two-story design. The home offers 2,971 square feet of living area and is priced at $254,000, Byrnes said. There are 30 home sites available at Lake Heiniger Estates with homes ranging from 2,100 square feet of living area to 5,300 square feet. Homes are priced from $219,000 to $390,000, Byrnes added.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Completes Design of a new LEED Certified Element hotel at Fashion Square Mall

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed the design of a 151-room Element Hotel at Fashion Square Mall on E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said construction is expected to get underway on the hotel in early 2014. The project will be LEED certified, and total construction cost is estimated at more than $10 million, Peterson said. The design contract was awarded to Cuhaci & Peterson by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the developer of Element.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract for Design of Retail Shops and Grocery Store in Alexandra Bay, NY

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design of retail shops and a grocery store in Alexandra Bay, NY. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the his firm designed 10,000 square feet of retail shop space along with an adjacent 30,000 square foot Price Chopper grocery store in Alexandra Bay. The project will be LEED Silver. Construction of both facilities is complete. Cuhaci & Petersen Architects is one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space with projects that total more than two million square feet annually.

New Prototype Walgreens pharmacy designed by Cuhaci & Peterson Architects

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design of a new Walgreens drug store located off Dale Mabry in Tampa. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the new Walgreens is a new prototype design and will total 14,800 square feet. Regency Center is the developer of the new facility.

SkyLarx Systems of Winter Springs Advances to Semi-Finals in Get in the Ring Competition

Winter Springs, Fla.– SkyLarx Systems co-founders Wiley Martin Jr. and Marcelo Agui rolled the dice in early September with an official entry in the Kauffman Foundation’s Get in the Ring: The American Startup Clash, a contest which gives America’s most outstanding entrepreneurs an opportunity to compete against founders from across the country and around the world. Two weeks later the Kauffman Foundation sent word that SkyLarx was the only Florida company to make the semifinalist cut of Get in the Ring, a key event in the international celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Selected as semi-finalists from a field of 283 entrepreneurs, SkyLarx and 39 others will compete for a shot at a once-in-a-lifetime payoff: the chance to pitch their enterprise to prominent judges including Steve Felice, president of Dell, Inc., one of the largest distributors of technology products in the world, and serial entrepreneur Marc Eckō. Only eight companies will earn the privilege of being flown to Kauffman Foundation’s headquarters in Kansas City to make the pitch for the finalist cut based on a three-minute video. ”Our message is pretty simple and clear. Our SkyLarx software makes it easier to run an efficient, effective and enriching childcare business,” Martin said. SkyLarx is a cloud-based system of aps and programs that helps childcare businesses manage their operations with everything from reliable, efficient check-in and check-out protocols to governmental regulatory compliance to teacher communication platforms. “Skylarx developed the gold standard in childcare management solutions, and we are developing parallel systems for Senior Care, Health Care and retail operations,” Martin explained. Martin said the SkyLarx video was produced and edited by Sunshine Video Productions of Orlando. Eight finalists will be named on Oct. 23. But the SkyLarx partners aren’t holding their breath---most of the time they’re trying to catch it. “Winning Get in the Ring is fun to think about when I go home at night, but our days are very busy right now working with clients and fine-tuning our systems,” Agui said. SkyLarx Systems is a client company of the UCF Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs.

VOLUSIA LAW FIRM, CAR DEALERSHIP AND LOCAL NEWS CHANNEL PARTNER FOR A FIVE-DAY ANTI-TEXTING PROGRAM FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS

VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL – To help educate student drivers about the newly created anti-texting and driving law, the law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell in Port Orange, Gary Yeoman’s Ford Lincoln and WESH 2 will for the third time sponsor a week of simulated texting and driving at five local high schools. The businesses have become regular partners since funding the first of three simulated texting sessions beginning in 2012. Since then, more than 10,000 students have learned first-hand the dangers of texting while driving, according to Carlos Lira√, general manager at Gary Yeoman’s. “While each of the sessions we’ve held has been important for students, next month’s will be of even greater importance, as it now is illegal to text while driving,” Lira said. The new law, which went into effect Oct. 1, provides that drivers caught texting behind the wheel now can be issued a $30 fine for their first offense, and $60 for any others, according to Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the personal-injury firm. “The driver can be cited only if they are stopped for another traffic violation, such as speeding,” Ziffra said, “as texting while driving is considered a secondary offense and the law only applies when the vehicle is moving.” The Nov. 4 through 8 training program puts students in the driver’s seat behind a state-of-the-art, hands-on texting and driving simulator. As many as 5,000 local students are expected to use the equipment this year. Presented free of charge, the “Text Free Zone” campaign will begin Nov. 4 at Spruce Creek High in Port Orange, followed by DeLand High on Nov. 5, Matanzas High in Palm Coast on Nov. 6, University High in Orange City on Nov. 7 and New Smyrna Beach High on Nov. 8. National statistics show that about 50 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 text while driving. Data compiled from simulated sessions throughout the United States showed that nearly all of those who got behind the simulator’s wheel failed after speeding, swerving and sometimes even striking simulated pedestrians while trying to send a text. “In our line of work, we see too many reports of teen-age drivers who injure themselves or others while texting,” Ziffra said. “Because of these statistics, we enthusiastically support this program.” For more information, please visit www.rueziffra.com/pledge-don’t-text-and-drive or call 386-788-7700. About Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell: Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue & Ziffra has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

Freshorize USA appoints Michael Joseph, Business Development Manager and Cody Swain, Director of Business Strategy and Growth

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Freshorize USA, LLC, the U.S. division of an 11-year-old, award-winning British company that ranks as a leading provider of airline soap and air freshener, recently appointed two young executives to top posts in the company. Freshorize is currently targeting the U.S. airlines market as well as hotels, cruise lines and automobile air fresheners. Aziz Patel, founder and chief executive officer of Freshorize, said he recently appointed Michael Joseph, business development manager. Joseph, 22, earned his degree in economics from Vanderbilt University. Patel said Joseph’s expertise in social media, finance, and entrepreneurship bring a unique, young and energetic perspective to the growing company. Joseph’s hard work is paying off as he is already in advanced talks with prospective clients in the automobile, trains and hospitality market. Patel said he also appointed Cody Swain, director of business strategy and growth. Swain, 28, who earned a degree in anthropology and another in international relations from the University of Central Florida, has worked with the UCF Venture Lab’s business development department for the past five years consulting with hundreds of diverse startup companies and incubator clients. He also designed and ran a local Orange County funded business accelerator named Startup Orange County. “Cody Swain’s experience with startup companies will give Freshorize the edge that it needs to build operations in the United States in addition to its headquarters in the United Kingdom,” Patel said. Swain is fully engaged with the top five airlines in the U.S. and medium to small airlines in other parts of the world, according to Patel. Swain took part in a successful exhibition at an APEX Airlines Expo in Anaheim, Calif. in September. All top five U.S. airlines are now eager to work with Freshorize. “New custom solutions to their soap dispenser problems that have been a concern for years are finally in sight,” Swain said. Freshorize is an innovative leader in the airline soap and air freshener supply market. The firm’s proprietary aerospace technology has captured 90 percent of the U.K. market for these products and has made substantial inroads throughout Europe. Freshorize has come up with a new approach in the supply of toiletry amenities to reduce environmental waste and lower costs with its unique line of products. Freshorize is driven by innovation and its products have been very well received by top hotels in Florida. Patel said Freshorize is developing several new products and is expanding. “We expect to add a third individual to the team with web and design experience,” Patel said. “Our growth has been much faster than expected,” he added. The UCF Business Incubation Program’s unique “soft landing” program enables companies to gain faster access to market its products and services in Florida and the U.S. “The program’s available resources and infrastructure dedicated to achieving growth are invaluable,” Patel said.

Henin Homes Names Tony Marrillia Construction Manager in Custom Homes Division, Raymond Venditti New Home Sales Specialist

WINTER PARK Fla. – Henin Homes has appointed Tony Marrillia as construction manager to oversee the management and construction of the homebuilder’s custom homes. Jerome Henin, president of Henin Homes, said Marrillia has more than 20 years of experience as a home building professional. Marrillia formerly was president of construction for Bel-Aire Homes and most recently was a managing member of Marlin Homes. The UCF graduate holds an active general contractor’s license. Henin said he also appointed Raymond Venditti as new home sales specialist at Henin Homes. Venditti, a licensed real estate broker, has more than 25 years of experience in residential real estate sales, specializing in marketing and launching new home communities as well as REOs and short sales. Venditti also enhanced his career by becoming a licensed mortgage broker who has worked for the Orange County Property Appraiser’s office assessing and defending property values. The Henin Group, parent company of Henin Homes, was recently ranked 37th on the Golden 100 list of Central Florida’s top privately-held firms.

Royal Oak Homes opens new phase at popular Hammock Trails in Kissimmee

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes has opened a second phase at popular Hammock Trails in Kissimmee. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the home builder hosted a grand opening at Hammock Trails on Oct. 19 with a community picnic. New homes at Hammock Trails range in size from 1,670 square feet of living space to 3,200 square feet and are priced from the $160’s. “Hammock Trails is one of the best-selling communities in Central Florida,” Orosz said. Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder whose track record boasts more than 14,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years under the Cambridge Homes brand, one of the region’s most successful home builders in the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 2011, Royal Oak Homes is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most active home builders in the Central Florida area, building in ten active communities in the region.

Royal Oak Homes opens 33 homes sites at Lago Katrina in Groveland with new single-family homes priced from the $150s

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes recently opened a new community in Groveland where it plans to build 33 new single-family homes priced from the $150s. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the Emerson model home will be open for viewing in January at Lago Katrina. “We are very excited to be offering such an amazing community, with 85' wide, lake-view lots at such an affordable price point,” said Orosz. New three, four and five bedroom homes by Royal Oak at Lago Katrina range in size from 1,676 square feet of living space to over 3,200 square feet. Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder whose track record boasts more than 14,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years under the Cambridge Homes brand, one of the region’s most successful home builders in the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 2011, Royal Oak Homes is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most active home builders in the Central Florida area, building in ten active communities in the region.

Three ready-to-move-in homes available at Ashton Woods’ Fountain Parke in Lake Mary

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has three move-in ready homes priced from the mid-$200s at its community of Fountain Parke located off Rinehart Road north of Lake Mary Blvd. in Lake Mary. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said the move-in ready homes all offer four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, plus a two-car garage and range from 2,070 square feet of living area to 2,504 square feet. The homes are priced from the mid $200s, Roche said.

Ashton Woods Homes has new model home at Independence in Winter Garden

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has a new model home at its community of Independence off New Independence Parkway and Tiny Road in Winter Garden. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said the Michigan model offers four bedrooms, a game room, three-and-a-half baths with a three-car garage and a boat dock right on Lake Speer. Independence has 26 home sites available with homes priced from the high $400s and ranging from 2,544 square feet of living area to over 4,000 square feet. The community features resort style amenities along with lakes, acres of parks, recreation and conservation areas.

Four ready-to-move-in homes available by Ashton Woods Homes at Rosedale in Bradenton

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has four ready-to-move-in homes in its first phase at Rosedale County Club located off Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and 44th Ave. West in Bradenton. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes said the ready-to-move-in homes are priced from the high $300s and range in size from 2,107 square feet of living area to 2,414 square feet. Forty-three home sites are available in the first phase at Rosedale Country Club, Roche said. Ashton Woods Homes has three furnished models open for viewing at Rosedale.

Ashton Woods Homes opens new phase at the Preserve at FishHawk Ranch in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes started sales in a new phase of homesites at the Preserve at FishHawk Ranch its new neighborhood within the master-planned community located in Lithia in the Tampa Bay area. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said the three, four and five bedroom homes in the new phase are priced from the high $400s. Ashton Woods Homes has 12 home sites available in the new phase at the Preserve at FishHawk Ranch for new homes ranging from 2,833 square feet of living area to over 4,000 square feet. Visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com.

Meritage Homes Has 66 Move-In-Ready Homes in 16 Communities in Orlando Area

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Meritage Homes now has 66 ready-to-move-in homes available in 16 communities across the Orlando region in Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties. Brian Kittle, division vice president for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said the homes, with from four to seven bedrooms, range from 1,900 square feet of living area to 5,200 square feet. Prices of the homes range from the low $200s to the mid $600s. For more information, visit www.meritagehomes.com

Five of 2013’s Florida Companies to Watch got their start at the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program, which ranks as one of the best in the nation according to Entrepreneur Magazine, will earn yet another accolade at the third annual “Florida Companies to Watch” awards on Oct. 24 at Hard Rock Live in Orlando. Five of the 50 winners of the 2013 Florida Companies to Watch awards got their start in the UCF Business Incubation Program. The UCF Incubator graduate companies named “Florida Companies to Watch” this year are 21st Century Learning Solutions Inc.; AVT Simulation; Snapt Inc.; Solodev; and Therigy LLC. Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the UCF Business Incubator Program, said the university-based effort to support and encourage startup businesses is paying off in Central Florida. “UCF Business Incubation Program graduate companies have claimed five awards in the first two years of the Florida Companies to Watch program and this year we have five more,” O’Neal said. “Our graduate companies are making a big mark on the Central Florida economic growth and employment picture,” he said. Entrepreneur Magazine called the 11-year old UCF Business Incubation Program one of “America’s Best Under the Radar Business Incubators” for helping to create 1,500 new jobs and generate revenues in excess of $60 million. And that was for just over a two-year period. The Florida Companies to Watch Awards gala---individual tickets are priced at $150---will fete “second stage” companies that show the strongest potential to break out as major employers in the region. Sponsored by GrowFL, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida and the Edward Lowe Foundation, the gala awards event will showcase companies that range from First Green Bank, the Lake County-based bank that opened its first Orlando location earlier this year, to Snapt Inc., which sells software that helps companies track their online advertising efforts.

Lennar to Host Community Preview at Gran Paradiso Oct. 26 with Live DJ, plenty of Free Food and Drinks

VENICE, Fla. --- Lennar plans to pull out all the stops to host a grand Community Preview event on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Gran Paradiso, the master-planned community Lennar is opening at 20061 Galleria Blvd. in Venice off S.R. 41 (Tamiami Trail) five miles east of North River Road. Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar, said the event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the public is invited. Admission is free. Devereaux said food and drinks will be available and a live DJ with music from 1 to 3 p.m. Lennar plans to build over 1,800 homes at Gran Paradiso priced from the high $100s to over $500,000. Devereaux said three, four and five bedroom single-family homes at Gran Paradiso will range in size from 1,340 square feet of living space to over 3,800 square feet of living area. Lennar will be offering its NextGen, Executive Homes, Manor Homes, Twin Villas and Estate Homes at Gran Paradiso. Among the amenities planned for the community are an extensive clubhouse with resort-style pool and spa, playground, lighted tennis courts and several private cabanas. For further information telephone 877-45-LENNAR (877-455-3667) or visit www.Lennar.com

Lennar to Open Four New Professionally Decorated Model Homes in November at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton

Bradenton, Fla. --- Lennar started construction of four new model homes at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch located off Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Bradenton. Matt Devereaux, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said all four new model homes will open by mid-November. The two-story Chapel Hill model home features five bedrooms, four full baths and a half-bath, bonus room and loft in 3,800 square feet of living area. The Chapel Hill is one of Lennar’s most spacious new model homes at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch, priced from $493,990. The two-story Cambridge Grande model, priced from $433,990, boasts three bedrooms, three full baths and a half-bath with a bonus room in 3,025 square feet of living area plus a three-car garage. The two-story, six-bedroom Oxford model home is even more spectacular. Priced from $403,990, the 3,929 square foot Oxford is one of Lennar’s NextGen floor plans 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. The single-story Stanford model features four bedrooms and three baths in 2,268 square feet of living space with a three-car garage, priced starting from $308,990. Devereaux said Lennar will host a grand opening event to showcase all four new model homes once completed, furnished and professionally decorated. Visit www.lennar.com.

STONEGATE GOLF CLUB DEMO DAYS SET

Kissimmee, Fla. --- StoneGate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee has announced its Winter 2013-2014 Golf Demo Days schedule. Christopher Russell, PGA, TPI, director of golf at Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita, said Demo Days is a chance for golfers to learn everything they want to know about the most popular clubs, balls, teaching aids and accessories in the $76 billion golf industry. Russell said StoneGate invited the most prominent manufacturers to make Golf Demo Day presentations, including Ping, Cleveland, Adams, Bridgestone and Callaway. Admission to Golf Demo Days at StoneGate Golf Club is free. “Demo Days are a great opportunity for golfers to try out all the latest and great equipment,” Russell explained. Russell said StoneGate plans to give golfers the full treatment. “The opportunity to hit balls and see the full flight of each shot is far more beneficial than hitting balls into a net,” Russell explained. “The combination of feel and flight can help us fit clubs to each golfer,” he added. The StoneGate Golf Demo Days Schedule: October 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ping and the Ping Fitting Van; November 11, noon to 5 p.m., Cleveland November 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Adams January 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bridgestone Ball Fitting January 31, 2014, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Callaway February 10, 2014, noon to 4 p.m., Cleveland

Celebration Golf sets special “Demo Day” at Celebration Golf Club Nov. 9

CELEBRATION, Fla. --- The Golf Academy at Celebration Golf Club, which consists of one of only three Ping nFlight studios in the country, will be hosting a Ping Demo Day on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will be open to the public and free to attend. Nick Lawson, director of instruction for the Golf Academy at Celebration Golf Club, said the tour fitting van will be on site to give the public a first hand look at Ping’s elite products and equipment offered to enhance the game of every level of golfer.

Women Playing for T.I.M.E. Golf Tournament at Golden Bear Club Raises Record $41,000 for MD Anderson

WINDERMERE, Fla. --- The Women Playing for T.I.M.E. Golf Tournament held recently at the Golden Bear Golf Club at Keene’s Pointe in Windermere raised a record $41,000 to support MD Anderson Cancer Research. Matthew Allen, Director of Golf at The Golden Bear Club at Keene's Pointe, said 112 golfers participated in the 4th annual tournament which was hosted by the golden Bear Club and the Keene’s Pointe Ladies Golf Assn. (KPLGA). “This event could not have been such a success without the dedication and hard work of Tournament Director Debi Raper and her Keene’s Pointe Ladies Golf Assn. steering committee,” said Allen.

Park Square Homes sets grand opening for Edgewater at Bellalago in Kissimmee

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes has set Oct. 26 for its grand opening of Edgewater at Bellalago, a guard-gated community on the western shore of Lake Toho in Kissimmee. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said the homebuilder has 100 home sites available at Edgewater at Bellalago for single-family homes priced from the mid-$200s. Park Square’s homes will range from 2,500 to 5,000 square feet of living space with three, four, five and six bedrooms, and three and four-car garages. Two models are now underway and will be ready for viewing at the grand opening, Rouhana said. The Tuscan-inspired community features 1,300 feet of boardwalk on Lake Toho, access for large powerboats, and many other resort-style amenities including multi-million dollar clubhouses. Centered around parks, wooded preserves and pristine lakes, Edgewater at Bellalago has village shopping and a K-8 school right outside the gates. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

Park Square Homes Appoints Real Estate Veteran Deb Marton Director of Sales

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has named Deb Marton director of sales. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said Marton has more than 20 years of experience in new home sales. She was formerly with Centerline Homes in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area and most recently was vice president of sales there before moving to Central Florida and joining Park Square Homes.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Industrial Lease for 4,080 Square Feet in Longwood

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest negotiated a new lease agreement for 4,080 square feet of industrial space at 1920 Boothe Circle Suite 220 in Longwood. Michael Heidrich, principal at the firm, brokered the transaction representing the landlord Red Boothe Circle Holdings, LLC of Maitland. The tenant is Longwood-based Jon M. Hall Company. Tenant formerly occupied Suite 230 with 3,240 square feet at the facility but needed more room for growth.

NAI Realvest negotiates new lease agreement at Airport Industrial Center in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,500 square feet in the Airport Industrial Center at 7480 Narcoossee Road in Orlando. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction representing the landlord, Boston-based BIEL REO, LLC. Spiral Group, Inc., a firm that installs audio systems in autos, leased Unit 100-J at the south Orlando industrial center.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Expansion and Renewal Leases totaling 4,800 square feet at West Orange industrial facility

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two lease agreements totaling 4,800 square feet at 940 W. Oakland Ave. in Oakland in West Orange County. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest brokered the transactions on behalf of the landlord, Countyline Suites, LLC of Winter Garden. Paladin Healthcare, LLC, who already occupied Suite A1 and half of Suite A2 with 3,600 square feet, has expanded into suite A4 with the lease of another 2,400 square feet. Heidrich also negotiated a lease renewal with Lea Interiors, Inc. for Suite A5 with 2,400 square feet.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Lease Agreements totaling 3,077 square feet at Office Buildings in Orlando and Winter Park

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new lease agreements for a total of 3,077 square feet of office space at office buildings in Orlando and Winter Park. At Gateway Plaza, 1201 S. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park, Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal in the firm, Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM and Associate Chris Adams negotiated the lease of Suite 203 with 1,697 square feet representing Landlord Gateway Plaza LLC. The new tenant is Strong Properties, Inc. and the property is now 100 percent leased. West also negotiated a new office lease of 1,380 square feet at University Court, 3361 Rouse Rd. off University Blvd. in east Orlando, representing the landlord, RREF Interchange-Fl, LLC c/o Charles Wayne Properties. The local tenant is Marketing Consultants of Orlando, Inc. represented by Nichole DeForge of Morrow Hill.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of 1.25 Acre Retail Lot in Oviedo for $665,000

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the $665,000 sale of 1.25 acres of retail land, the former site of a Bruster’s Ice Cream shop, at 1024 Lockwood Blvd. in Oviedo. George Viele, associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the seller, Bank of America, NA of Baltimore. The buyer UP Fieldgate US Investments-Lockwood Blvd. LLC, was represented in the sale by Jared B. Ettinger of Berkshire Realty LLC.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Five Leases totaling 27,457 Square Feet of Industrial space at Goldenrod, Hanging Moss and Monroe CommerCenters

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed five lease agreements, including new, renewal and expansion leases, totaling 27,457 square feet at Goldenrod, Hanging Moss and Monroe CommerCenters in Orange and Seminole counties. NAI Realvest Principal Michael Heidrich represented Landlord Monroe North SPE, LLC in a lease renewal agreement with ABM Building Services LLC formerly Linc Services Co. for 10,786 square feet at Monroe CommerCenter North, 4150 Church St. in Sanford. Katie Trott of CNL Commercial represented ABM. At Monroe CommerCenter South, Heidrich represented Monroe South SPE, LLC, in a renewal and expansion lease agreement with Advantage Medical Systems, Inc. who occupies 4,320 square feet in Suite 1029 but also expanded into Suite 1021 with 2,160 square feet. Heidrich also negotiated a renewal of 6,000 square feet in suites 440-460 occupied by Automatic Racing, LLC at Hanging Moss CommerCenter representing landlord Hanging Moss SPE, LLC. Jason Schrago of CNL Commercial represented the tenant. In other business for the landlord at Hanging Moss, Heidrich leased 2,000 square feet to a new tenant, Stagg, Inc., a landscape maintenance and irrigation firm. A lease renewal was negotiated by Heidrich on behalf of the landlord Goldenrod SPE, LLC at Goldenrod CommerCenter, 1476 N. Goldenrod Rd. Tenant Mobile Oval Auto Repair LLC occupies Suite 325 with 2,191 square feet.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New and Renewal Leases at the Citadel International III in southeast Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed three lease agreements for office space totaling 23,605 square feet at the Citadel International III office building located at 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in Southeast Orlando. Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM and Matt Cichocki, principal, negotiated the lease transactions on behalf of the landlord, Citadel Partners, LTD., of Groveland, Fla. The U.S. Dept of Homeland Security, a tenant in the building since 2002, renewed its lease of suite 140 with 19,905 square feet for another long-term. A new tenant, Guidance Software Inc., a Pasadena, Calif.-based firm globally recognized as a leader in digital forensics, cyber security and e-discovery solutions, has leased suite 620 with 2,876 square feet. John Gay of Cresa Orlando and Carlo Brignardello of Cresa Los Angeles represented the tenant. Altenesol LLC renewed its lease of suite 290 with 824 square feet. NAI Realvest handles management and leasing of the Citadel International III.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Lease renewals at Crystal Center in Lake Mary totaling 3,916 Square Feet

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two lease renewal agreements for Class B medical office space totaling 3,916 square feet at the Crystal Center, 3300 West Lake Mary Blvd. in Lake Mary. Senior Broker-Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM negotiated both transactions representing the landlord, Maya Associates LLC of Okemos, Mich. Dr. A. Gupta M.D., P.A. renewed the lease of Suite 220 with 2,026 square feet and Dr. B. Rai Gupta, M.D., P.A. renewed the lease of Suite 230 with 1,890 square feet.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Retail Lease to Home Décor in Longwood and to Halloween Store in former Toys-R-Us at Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a two lease agreements totaling 31,575 square feet of retail space in Longwood and in Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales NAI Realvest managing partner Paul P. Partyka negotiated a lease renewal with Pastiche Home Décor LLC for 950 square feet at 840 E. SR 434 representing the landlord Gerald Korman of Longwood. At 451 Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales, Partyka and associate Juan Jimenez negotiated a lease of the former Toys-R-Us building with 30,625 square feet of retail space, representing the landlord Dallas-based Tabani Group, Inc. Spirit of Halloween Superstores, LLC of Egg Harbor, N.J. is the new tenant.

Nascent Blue earns contract to build advanced billing system for insurance underwriter in Central Florida

ORLANDO/ TAMPA, Fla. –- Nascent Blue, Inc., a firm that specializes in advanced automation technology and advanced software solutions for business, recently earned a major contract with a U.S. insurance underwriter. Steve Hudson, co-founder and chief technology officer at Nascent Blue, said his firm was selected by Tampa-based West Point Underwriters (WPU) to develop an advanced billing system to reduce costs for their clients. Hudson said Nascent Blue’s proposal emphasized quick turnaround times, low cost and local expertise. WPU was drawn to Nascent Blue’s approach that places more focus on the business solution and achieves high quality, low cost and rapid delivery without using offshore programmers. “Many software development firms these days increase their profit margins by using freelance programmers or offshore subcontractors,” Hudson explained. “That almost always results in low performance software that costs more to develop and maintain than is necessary, and the end result does not live up to expectations,” Hudson said. Nascent Blue has developed a revolutionary alternative. “We’re onshore and we use advanced tools to create high level application models to generate almost all of our code,” Hudson said. “We can do more with smaller teams.” “The executive team at WPU was pleased with the short timeline and competitive quote of Nascent Blue’s proposal, as well as their ability to use local resources,” said T. John Jerger, Jr., chief operating officer for WPU. “We’re not here to write software by hand,” Hudson said. “We’re here to help small businesses exceed their goals with powerful software solutions that work better than expected, sooner than expected and for lower costs,” he said. Hudson said the combination of advanced technology, quick turnaround times and lower costs is a winning combination and small and medium businesses are fertile ground for growth. “Small business CEOs need straightforward solutions that will help them increase their efficiency and grow their companies,” he said. Nascent Blue is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.

DiVosta Homes’ Marc Semach is Pulte Group’s Leading Sales Consultant of the Month for the 2nd time this Year

Fort Myers, Fla. --- Marc Semach, a DiVosta Homes Sales Consultant at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs, was named PulteGroup’s leading sales associate for September – the second time this year – in the homebuilding group’s south Florida division. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte Group, said Semach joined DiVosta Homes eight years ago. The Michigan native attended Eastern Michigan University where he majored in Communications and minored in Literature. Marin said Semach sold more homes in September than any other PulteGroup sales consultant including Pulte Homes, Centex, DiVosta Homes and Del Webb in more than 20 communities in south Florida. “Marc has helped make 2013 a success, Mairn said. DiVosta Homes builds town homes and single-family homes at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs that range in size from 1,392 square feet of living space to 2,488 square feet priced from $188,990 to $316,490.

Stoneybrook at Venice will lose its top 10 U.S. Ranking soon---and that’s a good thing

VENICE, Fla. --- Stoneybrook at Venice, the premier Lennar community located off North River Road and Center Road, one mile west of I-75 in Venice, will soon lose its ranking as one of the Top 10 best-selling communities in the United States. But that’s a good thing. Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar, said only five home sites remain for sale at Stoneybrook in Venice. “For home buyers in the Venice area these are the last five chances to own a home at Stoneybrook and we expect them to be gone before the winter season starts,” Devereaux said. New homes at Stoneybrook at Venice are priced from the high $100s to the $300s, and range in size from 1,340 square feet of living area to more than 3,357 square feet. Community amenities at Stoneybrook at Venice include a large recreational campus and community center with resort-style pool, kid’s splash pool and state-of-the-art health club with an on-site activities director; four lighted tennis courts, basketball court; two sand volleyball courts; a multi-purpose sports field and an in-line skating rink. Big Builder magazine, the leading U.S. journal of the home building industry, named Lennar’s Stoneybrook at Venice one of the nation’s 10 top selling new communities. For more information about Stoneybrook at Venice call 941-493-6692 or visit www.lennar.com.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Leases totaling 2,090 square feet in Altamonte Springs

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated two lease agreements for class A office space in Altamonte Springs. An ad agency and a law firm are the new tenants. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal in the firm, and associate Chris Adams negotiated a lease for suite 1040 with 1,100 square feet at 234 N. Westmonte Drive representing Alleve INV, Inc., the landlord of the building which is now 100 percent leased. The law firm of Amorginos & Barrow P.A. is the new tenant. Adams brokered a lease agreement representing the tenant, Gillman Advertising Specialists, Inc., for 990 square feet in Suite 350 at 498 Palm Springs Drive. Laurel Builders, Inc. of Altamonte Springs is the landlord.

NAI Realvest Negotiates $500,000 Vacant Land Purchase in Oviedo for Hospital Expansion

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated acquisition of 6.19 acres of vacant land in Oviedo for $500,000. George Viele, associate at NAI Realvest, represented the buyer Sanford-based Central Florida Regional Hospital in the purchase of Lot 120 on Pratt Place. The hospital purchased the land to expand its Oviedo campus. Sellers Bernie and Suzanne Blackwood of Oviedo were represented by Axel Real Estate, Inc.

Veteran’s Day Benefit Kicks Off Nov. 9 in Flagler County

BUNNELL – The “Heroes Ride & Gala,” which includes a police-escorted motorcycle ride to benefit two area veteran’s organizations, will begin Saturday, Nov. 9 with a memorial ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Flagler County Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd. Presented by Bright House Networks and the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, proceeds from the Veteran’s Day observance will go to the local Veteran’s Assistance Coalition and Rolling Thunder Inc. Florida Chapter 8; with an honorary donation to the Vetsville Cease Fire House in Boynton Beach, according to Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the personal injury firm. “For many of us, this event is close to our hearts,” Ziffra said. “While Veteran’s Day remembers those who have and are currently serving our country, this event also is a fundraiser for these non-profit agencies that help provide for disabled, homeless and hungry veterans.” Highlights at the ceremony will be talks by guest speakers including: ● Chris Noel, a model, actress and Vietnam War icon who performed in USO shows with Bob Hope and later founded the Vetsville Cease Fire House, a shelter for homeless American veterans; ● Jim Moyer, co-founder of The Ride Home and Honor-Release-Return; ● Florida Senator Dorothy Hukill, R-District 8; ● Lt. Col. Harry Gilman, United States Army Retired Chaplain; ● Col. Stephen Luxion, commander of Detachment 157, AFROTC, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Motorcyclists who participate in the ride portion of the event will leave Bunnell at 5:30 p.m. and arrive at the Coca-Cola Pavilion at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach at 6 p.m. The gala, which is open to non-riders as well, will be emceed by “King Bird” and “Stephanie” from Coast Country 93.1FM radio. Tickets for the ride or gala start at $25 and $35, respectively. Featured will be dancing and live entertainment, dinner and cocktails, a display of the Raydon military simulator, Texting and Driving Simulator and the Vietnam War Memorial Wall Replica. There also will be silent and live auctions of items like a signed Rolling Stones guitar, signed Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Dale Earnhardt Sr. photos, as well as travel and hotel packages. While Bright House Networks and Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell are the primary presenters of the two-county event, organizers also are receiving sponsorship from WESH-TV, Gary Yeomans Ford Lincoln, Daytona International Speedway and others. For more information, call 386-788-7700 or, to purchase event tickets online, visit www.heroesrideandgala.com or like the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HeroesRideandGala. In case of rain, the event will be held Nov. 23.

Royal Oak Homes Reports sales of 248 new homes since Jan. 1

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes reported it has sold 248 new homes from Jan. 1 through September in nine Central Florida communities. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said he projects the home builder will sell 320 homes this year. Last year, Royal Oak Homes sold 130 new homes in five Central Florida communities. The home builder was recently named the fastest growing private business in Central Florida in 2012 by a local trade publication. Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder whose track record boasts more than 14,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years under the Cambridge Homes brand, one of the region’s most successful home builders in the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 2011, Royal Oak Homes is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most active home builders in the Central Florida area, building in ten active communities in the region.

Royal Oak Homes relocates its Offices in Baldwin Park

ORLANDO, Fla. ---- Royal Oak Homes recently relocated its offices from Outer Road to Lakemont Avenue in Baldwin Park. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the firm doubled its office size and moved into 8,700 square feet in Baldwin Point. “Our staff has grown and we now have room for more growth,” Orosz said. Royal Oak Homes reported it has sold 248 new homes since January 1 in nine Central Florida communities and Orosz projects the home builder will sell 320 homes this year. Last year, Royal Oak Homes sold 130 new homes in five Central Florida communities. Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder whose track record boasts more than 14,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years under the Cambridge Homes brand, one of the region’s most successful home builders in the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 2011, Royal Oak Homes is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most active home builders in the Central Florida area, building in ten active communities in the region.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded projects at Fern Park Plaza

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed design work on a canopy renovation at Fern Park Plaza located off SR 436. The renovation totals more than 50,000 square feet. At the same time, Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the architectural firm was awarded a contract to handle renovation design of Northern Tool Co. located at the Fern Park Plaza totaling 15,000 square feet of interior work.

Winston James’ Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange has new Windsor Plus model home under construction

PORT ORANGE, Fla. — Villages of Royal Palm, rated one of southeast’s best retirement communities, has started construction on the award winning Windsor Plus model home. Jamie Allen Adley, president of Villages of Royal Palm, said the model home will be completed before the end of the year. The popular Windsor Plus has four bedrooms and three baths in 2,416 square feet and is priced at $350,000. In addition, the Villages of Royal Palm has eight move-in ready homes under construction ranging in size from 1,500 square feet of living area to 2,400 square feet and priced from $200,000 to $300,000, Adley said.

Winston James Development Leases 3,749 square feet of warehouse space to lighting company at Aloma Commerce Center

Oviedo, Fla. – Winston-James Development, Inc., based in South Daytona, recently completed a lease agreement for 3,749 square feet of office/warehouse space at 2785 Wrights Rd. in its Aloma Commerce Center located in Oviedo off Aloma Avenue by S.R 417. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, said the new tenant Optimal Lighting, LLC specializes in sales and installation of energy LED lighting.

Winston James Development leases 1,050 square feet of commercial space at Beville Road Business Park in S. Daytona

SOUTH DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Winston James Development, which developed the Beville Road Business Park in Daytona Beach, recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,050 square feet of commercial space there. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Development said Melanie Cruz will open a thrift shop focusing on used clothing, accessories and household items.

Royal Oak Homes will donate $500 from each new home sale in October to Breast Cancer Research

ORLANDO, Fla. ---- Royal Oak Homes will donate $500 from the sale of each new home in October to breast cancer research. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Orosz said Royal Oak will probably sell more than 30 new homes during October in nine Central Florida communities and he hopes to contribute $15,000 to the cause. Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder whose track record boasts more than 14,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years under the Cambridge Homes brand, one of the region’s most successful home builders in the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 2011, Royal Oak Homes is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most active home builders in the Central Florida area, building in ten active communities in the region.

Royal Oak to start construction at Mallard Pond in St. Cloud in November

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes plans to start construction at a new phase of Mallard Pond in St. Cloud in November. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the homebuilder will build 76 new homes at Mallard Pond that will range in size from 1,676 square feet of living space to 3,200 square feet priced from the $170s. Orosz said Royal Oak Homes will host a grand opening on Oct. 12 at Mallard Pond with a community picnic. Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder whose track record boasts more than 14,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years under the Cambridge Homes brand, one of the region’s most successful home builders in the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 2011, Royal Oak Homes is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most active home builders in the Central Florida area, building in ten active communities in the region.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty appoints Miamian Michael DeMoya International Luxury Homes Specialist

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed veteran Miami real estate executive Michael DeMoya an International Luxury Homes Specialist in the firm’s Heathrow office. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said DeMoya is relocating to Central Florida with a team of specialists who will focus on developing global contacts in Russia, the UK, Mexico, Germany, Monaco, Spain, Hong Kong, Canada, and South America for sales of luxury properties and commercial opportunities in Central and South Florida. The DeMoya team is fluent in English, Russian, and Spanish, Soderstrom said. DeMoya has more than 35 years of experience in real estate sales and international marketing. “Michael DeMoya’s range of expertise in luxury real estate, commercial, new home communities, custom builders and luxury condominium markets throughout Florida is well suited to the international markets,” Soderstrom said.

Lennar Promotes Ben Goldstein Director of Closings for Orlando Region

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar has promoted Ben Goldstein to director of closings for the Orlando region, including East Polk County, Clermont and Melbourne area. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Goldstein has been with Lennar six years and has eight years of experience in real estate sales. Previously a new home consultant for Lennar in Central Florida, Goldstein was recognized by the Sales & Marketing Council of the Tampa Bay Builders Assn. as a multi-million dollar producer.

Emerson International negotiates two leases that total more than 15,000 square feet of Class A office space

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently closed on two office lease agreements that total more than 15,000 square feet of space in the Centerpointe II office building located at 220 E. Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing, negotiated both lease agreements representing Emerson International, landlord and developer. Quinstreet Inc., A, Calif. company that ranks as one of the largest Internet marketing services companies in the world, is moving its Orlando area office into a 9,015-square foot suite in Centerpointe II. Todd Davis of Colliers International represented Quinstreet. Travel Holdings, Inc., a global tour and travel broker, expanded its premises at Centerpointe II by 6,207 square feet and now occupies a total of 34,747 square feet. Travel Holdings’ Orlando regional headquarters operates in 13 languages. The Emerson International portfolio of office properties totals more than 1.2 million square feet of Class A space in Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Altamonte Springs and Longwood. Koch said Emerson’s portfolio is currently 82 percent occupied, a major increase over the 76 percent occupancy reported on January 1. “We are seeing a significant uptick in leasing activity throughout the portfolio which spreads across the Orlando region and all market segments,” Koch said. “We attribute much of our occupancy growth to the improving economy both nationally and locally with a positive response to capital improvements made to properties throughout the Orlando portfolio,” Koch said.

Emerson International reports new long-term lease agreement for 2,200 square feet of space at 2600 Maitland Center

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International reported it closed on a new long-term lease agreement for 2,200 square feet of Class A office space at 2600 Maitland Center. Zac Starkey, leasing associate at Emerson International, negotiated the lease agreement representing landlord Emerson International. Miles Architectural Group is the new tenant.

Ashton Woods Homes has two new ready-to-move-in homes underway at Oakland Park in Winter Garden

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has started building two new ready-to-move-in homes at Oakland Park its newest community in West Orlando located between the town of Oakland and Winter Garden. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said both new homes are Ashton Wood’s two-story Chestnut floor plan that offers three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths in 2,399 square feet of living space. One home will be completed in December priced at $356,530, and one will be completed in January and priced at $357,016. Roche said Ashton Woods Homes offers seven floor plans at Oakland Park in one and two-story designs with three and four bedrooms, two and two-and-a-half baths ranging from 1,971 square feet of living area to 3,250 square feet, priced from $282,990 to $390,990. Oakland Park, located on Oakland Avenue off Plant Street, is convenient to major arterial roadways, schools, shopping and dining.

Fast-growing startup company at UCF Funds Scholarship at Rosen College of Hospitality Management

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A 21-year old student at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management who is also a startup company CEO in UCF’s Business Incubation Program announced he has funded a scholarship that will be awarded to a deserving student next year. Julien Meyer, founder and chief executive officer of collegeTKTS LLC, which produces the popular on-campus coupon book CollegeStack.com, said the scholarship will be awarded to a current student who exemplifies excellence in entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry. Altogether, Meyer’s startup projects, including Meyer Group Enterprises, a venture firm involved in several enterprises, employ more than 20 people. “I got into businesses in the first place to give back,” Meyer said. “What better place to start than the school which has given me so much?” he added. Meyer said he launched the scholarship project to celebrate his most recent business success. “We just franchised College Stack to a New York entrepreneur,” Meyer said. “We hope to continue our expansion by offering more products and services to our clients and customers,” he added. On the UCF campus, Meyer is almost as well known for his philanthropic endeavors as his entrepreneurial ones. Meyer has donated profits to the Student Government Association’s Don't Drink and Drive program and Fruit of the Vine Ministries. He is currently establishing a program to benefit a homeless organization in Orlando. Meyer attributes his successes to God, his family, UCF, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, the UCF Business Incubation Program, LEAD scholars and his friends. To learn more about Julien Meyer visit about.me/julienmeyer or email meyer.julien@hotmail.com.

IRradiance Glass, Inc. earns Million-Dollar Boost from Angel Investor to Expand Manufacturing Facility at UCF

ORLANDO, Fla. --- IRradiance Glass, Inc., which manufactures chalcogenide glasses for applications in infrared optical components and optical systems, recently completed a $1 million agreement with a private investor. J. David Musgraves, PhD, president and chief executive officer of IRradiance Glass (“IRradiance”), said the capital infusion will fund new equipment to expand the company’s manufacturing operations at the University of Central Florida, where IRradiance Glass is a member of the UCF Business Incubation Program’s Photonics Incubator. IRradiance Glass manufactures a special glass that allows infrared light to pass through it, Musgraves explained. "Infrared technologies impact people’s lives in the areas of security and defense, medical and environmental sensing, communications and entertainment,” Musgraves stated. "All products and systems that utilize infrared light, such as night vision goggles or video game motion sensors, require infrared-transparent optics to manipulate that light. There are many materials that are used in infrared optical systems, yet only chalcogenide glasses have the flexibility to be tailored to the huge range of desired applications," said Musgraves. Irradiance Glass is currently pursuing seven separate contracts valued at more than $2.5 million. The firm, with four employees and manufacturing operations in the Physics Department at UCF, is working to secure funding from a wide variety of sources including business to business contracts, individual sales, academic subcontracts, and government small business grants, Musgraves added.

Triacinter LLC in Kissimmee and AP International form Alliance to Open Office in Bogota, Colombia

Kissimmee, Fla. -- Triacinter LLC, which manufactures and distributes automation control systems, access and visitor control systems and point of sale text and video security mixers, recently formed an alliance with AP International, Inc. to open offices in Bogota, Colombia. Emilio Sanz, chief executive officer at Triacinter LLC, said the move is part of Triacinter’s plans to expand in Central and South America. The firm already has offices in Venezuela and plans to open offices in Brazil, Ecuador and Panama. “We have led the market in Venezuela for the past 20 years and we will continue to expand throughout the rest of the South American region while reinforcing our U.S. operations and efforts,” Sanz said. Triacinter is located at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator at 111 E. Monument Ave. in Kissimmee with offices in Caracas, Venezuela and Bogota, Colombia.

RedTail Golf Club in Sorrento hosts annual Men’s Golf Association Championship tournament

SORRENTO, Fla. --- RedTail Golf Club in Sorrento hosted 36 entries in its annual Men’s Golf Association Championship tournament recently with excellent course conditions and favorable weather. Steve Downs, golf operations manager at RedTail Golf Club, said Men’s Golf Association president Kirk Hayes won the Championship Flight and the Club Champion Crown with a two-day total of 154. Randy Mason won the tournament’s First Flight with a two-day total of 133 after his nine handicap was deducted from his 75 and 76 gross scores. Houston Hill claimed the Senior Flight Championship by one stroke over Charlie Leach, posting a two-day total of 153 strokes. Rickey Batson was named Senior Net Champion with a two day total of 139.

Seven-year old at Celebration Golf Club scores hole-in-one in US Kids Golf Tournament

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Seven-year old golfer Alyssa Calabrese scored a hole-in-one during the U.S. KIDS Golf Tournament held Sept. 21 at Celebration Golf Club in Kissimmee. Nick Lawson, director of instruction at Celebration Golf Academy, said Miss Calabrese used her 4 Hybrid club to score her most memorable tournament stroke ever on the 90-yard third hole.

NAI Realvest negotiates $1.2 Million+ sale price for Office Building on East Colonial in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the $1,212,500 sale price for the 20,984 square foot office building located at 615-617 E. Colonial Drive, between Mills and Magnolia Avenues near downtown Orlando. Mary Frances West, CCIM senior broker-associate at NAI Realvest represented the seller, Osburn Henning Properties, Inc. of Orlando. NEKA, LLC purchased the property and plans to renovate the building for a law practice and other tenants. West said the building is actually three buildings that were combined into one. The oldest building was built in 1957 and the newest in 1985.

NAI Realvest Negotiates $2.6 Million Sale of Restaurant Property with operating Logan’s Roadhouse

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a $2,630,303 sale price for the 8,000 square foot restaurant property at 3060 W. Sand Lake Rd. in Southwest Orlando. Mez Birdie CCIM, director of retail and investment services at NAI Realvest and investment associate Chris Butera negotiated the sale representing the seller IA Orlando Sand Lake Outlot, LLC based in Oakbrook, Ill. The restaurant building, which is occupied by an operating Logan’s Roadhouse, was purchased by JB Income Realty Orlando, LP.

PulteGroup’s South Florida Division, suppliers, trade partners roll up their sleeves for Kitchen Makeover at Lighthouse of Southwest Florida

Fort Myers, Fla. --- PulteGroup’s South Florida Division and 12 of its supplier and trade partners took the day off Friday, Sept. 27 to roll up their sleeves, don their hard hats and remodel the instructional kitchen at Lighthouse of Southwest Florida in North Fort Myers. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup’s South Florida Division, said 30 PulteGroup volunteers and 10 subcontractors joined the day-long effort installing new baseboards, setting a new tile backsplash in the kitchen, hanging new light fixtures, painting interior walls and trim work, installing appliances, and upgrading the landscaping. Lighthouse of Southwest Florida provides daily living assistance, emotional support and hope to people living with blindness and visual impairments. Their goal is to guide people to live independent lives. “The Lighthouse instructional kitchen is a very important asset where visually impaired people can learn how to manage their own kitchen at home,” Mairn explained. The PulteGroup volunteers weren’t alone, Mairn said. Smokin Pit Barbeque delivered lunch for the crew, and PulteGroup suppliers chipped in with donated materials and labor to upgrade, modernize and rehab the entire kitchen facility along with some landscape upgrades. “It was a team effort and PulteGroup has a pretty formidable team,” Mairn said. Masco provided new cabinetry throughout. Mediterranean Marble donated granite countertops. Tile-It has donated labor and materials for new VTC flooring and a tile backsplash. R.T. Moore donated labor and materials to revamp the facility’s outdated plumbing systems. Seabreeze Electric donated labor and materials to update the electrical systems and install new electrical fixtures. Rice Insulation donated insulation material for the kitchen walls. Whirlpool donated all new appliances for the facility. Prime Painting secured all the paint for the kitchen and most of the common walls throughout the Lighthouse complex. Raymond Lumber donated new baseboard and casing material. Paramount Drywall obtained free drywall from Cemex and installed and finished the walls. Waste Services donated a 30-yard dumpster for the project. And Sunnygrove Landscaping donated plant and mulch material to spruce up the exterior grounds of the facility. “This is really an exciting project, it was a major effort to coordinate, and the day-long work detail was a labor of love,” Mairn said.

Pulte Homes and Cameratta Companies to start site work at Corkscrew Shores in Estero, First new homes due early next year

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Pulte Homes and Cameratta Companies will start site work in October to develop Corkscrew Shores, a planned 722-acre, gated residential community located three miles east of Interstate 75 on Corkscrew Rd. in Estero near Fort Myers. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for Pulte Homes in South Florida, said the site features a 222-acre lake as the centerpiece of the community, and several of the home sites offer spectacular lake views along with natural wooded preserves. The Pulte Homes and Cameratta Companies partnership successfully started with The Preserve at Corkscrew in Estero, which opened the summer of 2012. It’s currently one of the top selling projects in the greater Fort Myers area. “We are excited to be working with Cameratta Companies again and delivering another fantastic community in a great location,” Mairn said. “The Estero area offers so much and has become a premier destination in Southwest Florida with many established master-planned communities and a wide selection of retail, restaurant, and entertainment venues. The area has excellent primary and higher education opportunities, and Hertz Corp.’s recent announcement of a new corporate headquarters expands the many employment opportunities,” Mairn said. “Pulte Homes is a first-class organization and we are pleased to be working with them to develop a one of a kind lifestyle community,” said Nick Cameratta. The site offers easy access to I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport, along with Germain Arena, Miromar Outlets, Gulf Coast Town Center, Coconut Point Shopping Mall, and Florida Gulf Coast University. For more information, to join the interest list and receive exclusive community updates, visit www.pulte.com/corkscrewshores/.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completes design work on new Medical-Professional offices for Central Florida Oral Surgery in Oviedo

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park completed design work on a new 4,000 square foot Central Florida Oral Surgery unit in the office building located on Red Bug Lake Road in Oviedo. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said construction of the building was recently completed.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects hires two new professionals

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently hired two new professionals. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said Sean Topper was named technical manager. He has more than nine years of experience in architecture. The architectural firm also named Ken Morris, senior engineering designer for plumbing / fire protection. Morris has more than 15 years of experience in architecture and engineering.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completes design of new LA Fitness Facility in Southeast Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design a new LA Fitness on Goldenrod Road and Hoffner Avenue in Southeast Orlando. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the LA Fitness will have 38,000 square feet of space and is currently under construction.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded remodeling design project in Miami

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park were recently awarded a contract to remodel facilities in Miami. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson said the Miami project is a 14,500 square foot Gordon Food Service facility located off S.W. 8th Street and 22nd Avenue.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completed designs of Two Bottom Dollar Stores in Pennsylvania

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design work on two Bottom Dollar stores — one in Philadelphia and the other in Chester. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said both stores offer 12,000 square feet of grocery store space. Cuhaci & Petersen Architects is one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space with projects that total more than two million square feet annually.