NAI Realvest negotiates Industrial Lease for 6,000 Square Feet at Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a renewal lease for 6,000 square feet of warehouse space at 890 Carter Rd. Suites 100-110 of the Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease on behalf of the landlord Carter Commerce Center LLC of Winter Garden. The tenant is Pullin Customs, an automotive customizing firm.

The Partyka Group (PG) at NAI Realvest Expands, names Juan Jimenez a PG partner to focus on Investors from South America

Orlando, FL – The Partyka Group at NAI Realvest has named Associate Juan Jimenez, a PG partner focusing on investment buyers from South America. Paul P. Partyka, partner at NAI Realvest, said the Partyka Group is focusing on investors from the Middle East and South America. Jimenez, a native of Colombia, is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, and has been with NAI Realvest for two years. The Partyka Group has multi-lingual capabilities and can handle international transactions throughout the world. Partyka, a former mayor of Winter Springs, has more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate and was recently recognized by CoStar as a Power Broker.

Rhodes+Brito Architects Earn three-year Continuing Services Contract to Provide Architectural Services to City of Oviedo

ORLANDO, Fla., -- Rhodes+Brito Architects in Orlando was recently awarded a three-year Continuing Services Contract from the City of Oviedo in Seminole County. Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito Architects, said the firm will provide design, engineering and project coordination services on a per-project basis as the city requests. Projects covered under continuing services contracts are typically small in scope and often involve renovations or planning studies, Rhodes said. The City of Oviedo contract stipulates a $2 million cap. About Rhodes+Brito Architects Rhodes+Brito, which opened in Orlando in 1996, currently employs a staff of 20, including eight registered architects. The firm has exceptional experience providing architectural services to municipal government agencies.

Legends Golf Club Welcoming New and Returning Members for 2014 Calendar Year, Also Now Offering a Seasonal Membership

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Legends Golf Club recently announced that 2014 Membership Information is now available and, for the first time, Legends will offer a Seasonal Membership. Jay Scruggs, General Manager at Legends Golf Club, said he’s very excited about the upcoming year and the prospect of growing the course’s membership. As part of that initiative, the Seasonal Membership option is being offered under Celebration Golf Management, Scruggs added. “Golf Membership is, and has always been, an integral part of our course. Each year we receive incredibly positive feedback from our members. Last year we expanded on our offerings by adding an Executive Membership. This year, we’ve taken it a step further by adding a Seasonal Membership,” Scruggs said. Legends Golf Club also offers a Junior Membership, as well as an annual Driving Range Pass and an Annual Twilight Pass. Scruggs said, “Each year we host several tournaments and events for our Membership. There’s something for everyone, and we feel that we now have the most appealing and comprehensive Membership options in the area.” For more information regarding Memberships, please contact the course. Visit www.cgmgolfproperties.com.

Royal Oak Homes Posts $65 Million in New Home Sales in 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes ended the year with 325 homes sold in seven communities for a dollar volume of $65 million. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said last year the Baldwin Park based company sold 199 homes in five communities. In 2014, Royal Oak Homes will continue its growth by offering its first town home community in Kissimmee at Emerald Lake with 3-4bedroom town homes that will range from 1,500 square feet of living area to 1,700 square feet, priced from the low to mid 100s. Orosz said the home builder will introduce two new floor plans— the Maxwell with 2,000 square feet and the William, 5,100 square feet. “2013 was a very, very good year for us and we plan to do even better next year,” Orosz said.

Park Square Homes Expands Purchasing Staff

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has named Lisa Hall and Arlene Lora as purchasing agents, and Cynthia Canar purchasing administrator. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator at Park Square Homes, said Hall has more than 10 years of experience in purchasing. She was formerly vice president of purchasing at America’s First Home, and more recently purchasing manager at Next Step Products. Lora, who is a LEED Green Associate, holds a masters degree in construction management from Florida International University and was formerly chief estimator at Twenty Two Group in Miami. She has more than 10 years of experience in the construction industry. Canar with 10 years of experience in the construction industry, was formerly a CAD technician developing architectural design concepts into working construction drawings and assisted in construction of model homes.

WINNING IDENTITY TO RELEASE NEWEST SOFTWARE FOR GOLF TEACHERS, COACHES AT 2014 PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW

Orlando, Fla. --- Winning Identity, which develops industry leading business solutions for golf professionals, will release the newest version of their software at the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Jan. 21-24. Simon McInnis, vice president of sales at Winning Identity, said the Winning Identity program is designed to help golf professionals grow and manage their businesses. “Winning Identity is the most comprehensive web-based program on the market today,” McInnis said. “Winning Identity provides tools to help golf coaches maintain and nurture long term relationships with their clients,” he said. Winning Identity users can provide live online lessons for their clients, McInnis said. A new Mobile Swing Analysis Application that is part of the suite of programs can seamlessly integrate videos from the driving range directly into a player’s profile. James Leitz (top 100 Golf Instructor and top 100 Clubfitter) said “This is the best swing analysis App on the iPhone that I’ve seen yet.” Player fitness is an integral component to the Winning Identity program because of its importance to game development. Winning Identity’s latest version includes an improved workout builder as well as easy to access player assessments which helps players and coaches develop a complete understanding of cause and effect in a player’s golf swing. Golf and fitness professionals are invited to visit Booth 593 at the PGA Show to learn how Winning Identity can help streamline the teaching and coaching processes. To schedule a live demo email simon@winningidentity.com. Winning Identity is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at the incubator site in Apopka.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two Leases totaling 12,160 Square Feet of Industrial space at Monroe CommerCenter South

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed two lease agreements, a renewal and a new lease, totaling 12,160 square feet at Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford. NAI Realvest Principal Michael Heidrich represented Landlord Monroe North SPE, LLC in negotiating both transactions. The tenant Aramark Refreshment Services LLC of Philadelphia renewed its lease of 10,000 square feet at 4186 Incubator Court in the CommerCenter. The new tenant, B&B Countertop Restoration LLC of Sanford, leased suite 1017 with 2,160 square feet at 4295 Church Street.

Ashton Woods Homes names new sales counselor for the Orlando area

ORLANDO, Fla. — Ashton Woods Homes has appointed Cory Charles a sales counselor in the Orlando region. Michael Roche, vice president of sales for Ashton Woods Homes said Charles, a graduate of International Academy of Design & Technology, has four years of sales experience.

Hendricks-Berkadia and Dowd Properties negotiates $10,000-per-acre price in sale of 357-acre Lake Marion PUD Site in Haines City

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks-Berkadia, which ranks as one of the nation’s leading multi-family investment banking and research companies, and Dowd Properties recently negotiated a $10,000-per-acre sale price for the 357 acre Lake Marion PUD development site, located five miles east of U.S. 27 on C.R. 544 and Kokomo Road in Haines City. Cole Whitaker, partner with Hendricks-Berkadia, negotiated the sale along with Jim Dowd of Dowd Properties, Inc. based in Celebration. Hendricks-Berkadia and Dowd Properties represented the seller, Real Property Holding Polk County Florida, LLC. Nola Land Company, Inc. paid $3,575,800 to acquire the site.

Power Promise Organization Canned Food Drive Will Distribute To Families at Five Elementary Schools

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Power Promise Organization, dedicated to empowering youth and communities through prevention programs in the Central Florida community, has been collecting canned foods to distribute to families at five local elementary schools. Ursula James, Vice President and Program Director at the Power Promise Organization, said a canned food drive spearheaded by Power Promise has provided a way for people in the Central Florida community to give away dinners this holiday season. “The theme of the canned food drive is “Power Promise Deck the Halls Canned Food Drive Give-a-Way,” James added. The Power Promise Organization will distribute canned foods at Tildenville Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Winegard Elementary, Lake Weston Elementary, Ridgewood Park Elementary. The Power Promise Organization’s primary vision is to serve as a resource to schools and communities in decreasing the number of teens involved in the juvenile justice system. They advocate for the fostering of system justice, fair policy practices and other beneficial actions that propel youth to realize their full potential. Since 2008, the Power Promise Organization has served over 1,000 youth, over 300 parents, and over 100 law enforcement officers. Power Promise is a client company of the UCF Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs.

Isabella’s Bella Cucina Italian Sauces Now Available at The Meat House in Winter Park

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Isabella’s Bella Cucina, the Orlando-based caterer that provides entertaining cooking demonstrations for corporate events and team-building, has launched a fresh new venture---fresh organic Italian signature sauces for home cooking. Founder and CEO Isabella Morgia di Vicari---Chef Isabella---said she began preparing her organic signature sauces for retail sale two years ago and plans to market them nationwide in specialty supermarkets. The Meat House, located at 699 N. Orange Ave. in Winter Park’s foodie district, has signed on as the first retailer to offer Isabella’s Bella Cucina sauces. “We are very excited,” Chef Isabella said. “We want to make genuine Italian organic sauces available to a wider market because they are fabulous and will enhance any meal and take it to another level with very little effort, ” she said. Four Signature sauces are now available---Pesto, Bruschetta, Marinara Sauce and Caponata di Catagna, her Nonna’s recipe of eggplant, red peppers, capers and basil with readily available herbs and spices. All four sauces are gluten free, heart-healthy, and made from fresh certified organic ingredients using only extra virgin olive oil---no transfats. Only one of the sauces---Chef Isabella’s own Caponata di Catagna---uses added sugar, but it’s only one teaspoon per 12-ounce jar. “Sauces are an integral part of Italian cuisine, and they are what mama is always cooking in the kitchen in Italian movies,” Chef Isabella said. “Our organic Italian sauces have delighted thousands of people at our events and always we hear people tell us we should make them available for sale,” Isabella said. The preparation of sauces is a specialty that takes years to master, Chef Isabella said. “The fresh ingredients are key, the combinations of the right herbs and spices produce a wonderful taste sensation and that’s how you show ‘amore’ to your family. Give them the best, they’re worth it,” Chef Isabella said. Isabella’s Bella Cucina is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.

M/I Homes to unveil new Sonoma Model Home at gated Magnolia Park Estates in Apopka

ORLANDO, Fla. – M/I Homes plans to open the new two-story Sonoma model home in January at Magnolia Park Estates, the gated residential community of single-family homes located off Ocoee-Apopka Road and S. Binion Road in Apopka. David Byrnes, area president for M/I Homes in Central Florida, said the Sonoma offers five bedrooms and three baths in 3,642 square feet of living space priced from $297,990 with a three-car garage. M/I Homes plans to build 32 new single-family homes at Magnolia Park Estates that feature open space designs and large kitchen islands with plenty of options to choose from. Eight distinctive floor plans are available that range in size from 2,300 square feet to 4,800 square feet. New homes at Magnolia Park Estates are priced from $241,990 $410,990. The community features a children’s playground, basketball court and pavilion.

Royal Oak Homes opens new phase at Sorrento Springs in Sorrento

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes has opened a new phase with 78 single-family home sites at Sorrento Springs, the golf course community located off S.R. 44 in Sorrento. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said over 170 visitors participated in a grand opening weekend event recently at Sorrento Springs. Orosz said the four-bedroom, two-bath Monica model home that is complete and open for viewing with 1,927 square feet of living area is priced from $163,000. New homes by Royal Oak at Sorrento Springs range from 1,695 square feet of living area to 3,237 square feet, and are priced from the mid-$100s. Community amenities include the Eagle Dunes golf course and club, swimming pool, two tennis courts, pavilion and playground. Sorrento Springs is just eight miles from downtown Mount Dora. 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. Visit www.royaloakhomesfl.com.

Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita Provides Food, Beverages, Silent Auction Prizes, helps raise $22,000 for food pantry and Habitat for Humanity

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- StoneGate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee participated in a Big Band Charity Event recently that raised more than $20,000 and a truckload of food for the St. Rose of Lima Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity of Osceola County. General Manager Arto Rahmani said StoneGate Golf Club provided good food and beverages for 350 at the fundraiser that was hosted by The Do Unto Others initiative. Rahmani said the annual event is the largest fundraiser held at Solivita. This year the event featured dancing to the music of Smitty & The Crew, a 17-piece orchestra under the direction of Donald Lohr. Guests participated in holiday shopping for charity at the huge silent auction. StoneGate Golf Club donated golf foursomes for auction. Proceeds were divided between the two charitable organizations.

Celebration Golf Chief Operating Officer Kenny Nairn is Top Professional at 2013 Wilson World Pro-Am in Pebble Beach

Celebration, Fla. --- Kenny Nairn, the Scottish PGA Golf Professional who serves as chief operating officer and executive vice president for Celebration Golf Management, hasn’t given up his golf clubs for the executive suite. Nairn was the top finisher recently at the 2013 Wilson World Pro-Am Tournament in Pebble Beach, open to teams consisting of three amateurs and one club pro. The 72-hole team tournament scored one low gross and one low net on each hole. The professionals played a stable ford format. Nairn posted a blistering 16-19-17-18 for a 70 score and first place ranking in the professional division. The Celebration Golf team---Nairn plus Rudy Arribas, Willis Milner and Brent St James---placed third in the gross division. For Nairn, the 2013 Wilson World Pro-Am Tournament was a reprise of sorts. Nairn won the tournament in 2010.

Hendricks-Berkadia and Hold-Thyssen Negotiates $4.5 Million Price in Sale of 32.25-Acre Econ Landing Town Home Development Site

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks-Berkadia and Hold-Thyssen recently negotiated the sale of the 32.25 acre Econ Landing town home development site located at the intersection of Curry Ford Rd. and S.R. 417 near the Econlockhatchee River in east Orlando. Cole Whitaker, partner with Hendricks-Berkadia, negotiated the sale along with Bob Hold of Hold-Thyssen, Inc. based in Winter Park and Jim Dowd of Dowd Properties, Inc. based in Celebration. Hendricks-Berkadia and Hold-Thyssen represented the seller, Econ Landing LLP. M/I Homes of Orlando, LLC, represented by Dowd Properties, paid $4.5 million to acquire the site which is in close proximity major retailers, employers, restaurants and schools and Orlando International Airport.

NAI Realvest Names Ginger Vetter Associate

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest one of central Florida’s largest commercial real estate services companies and developers of industrial facilities, recently named Ginger Vetter as Associate. Robin L. Webb, CCIM, managing director at NAI Realvest said Vetter has more than seven years of experience in commercial real estate. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from University of Central Florida. Vetter was formerly with Morrison Commercial and GVA Advantis in Orlando. Webb said Vetter will be teaming with veteran broker, Mary Frances West, CCIM and focusing on landlord, owner and tenant representation in the leasing and sales of office properties in Orlando.

NAI Realvest negotiates New Industrial Lease for RTM Recycling

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently represented the tenant in a new long term lease for 3,360 square feet of warehouse and office space in the Atlas Commerce Park at 11334 Boggy Creek Rd. in South Orlando. Jeff Clark, associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing RTM Recyclable Textile Management – a Tucker Ga.-based firm that does business worldwide – who leased Suite 121 at the industrial facility. The landlord is Orlando-based Straubinger, Inc.

Hendricks-Berkadia Negotiates Sale of 222-Unit Bayridge Apartment Community in Clearwater

TAMPA, Fla. --- Hendricks-Berkadia Apartment Real Estate Advisors, which ranks as one of the leading multi-family investment banking and research companies in the nation, recently negotiated the sale of the 222-unit Bayridge apartment community at 3021 S.R. 590 in Clearwater. Situated on 10.09 acres, the community consists of six, three-story buildings and offers five diverse floor plans, averaging 1,001 square feet. Jason Stanton, vice president based in Tampa, negotiated the sale with Cole Whitaker, partner who heads Hendricks-Berkadia’s southeast region, and associate partner Hal Warren of the firm’s Orlando office. Hendricks-Berkadia represented the seller, Bayridge Investment Partners, LLC. Stanton said the investment property, built in 1991, was located in an infill Clearwater location and has had over $1 million in renovations and improvements over the past six years. This has positioned the property for a value-add renovation program, allowing the new owner to increase revenue moving forward.

Isis Solutions and Results Earns Contract to Provide Technical Support for Project to Upgrade Harrier Jets for Italian Navy

Orlando, Fla. --- Isis Solutions and Results, an Orlando firm that provides professional training, technical writing and management consulting to government and commercial clients, was recently awarded a contract to supply technical support for a project to upgrade training simulators that teach Italian Navy pilots to fly AV-8B Harrier II fighter jets. Elizabeth Root, founder and chief executive officer of Isis Solutions and Results, said the contract was awarded by Indra Systems, one of the nation’s leading providers of military simulation training technology. Isis Solutions and Results will provide customized, cost-effective, technical documentation development support in coordination with Indra and the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and manage meeting minutes, Root said. Isis Solutions and Results is certified as an economically-disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB), women-owned small business (WOSB) and small disadvantaged business (SDB). The company is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Long term lease for more than 10,000 square feet at Brio Business Center in Sanford

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a long term lease agreement for 10,031 square feet of office space in the Brio Business Center at 1209-1229 W. Airport Blvd. in Sanford. NAI Realvest Associate Michael Heidrich, Jr., and Michael Heidrich Sr., principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Winter Park-based Brio, LLC. The new tenant, Central Florida Workforce Development Board, Inc. of Orlando was represented in the transaction by John Doran of RE Commercial.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two Lease Renewals in East Orlando Totaling 9,801 Square Feet of Office Space

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated two lease renewal agreements for a total of 9,801 square feet of office space located in two office buildings on High Tech Avenue in east Orlando. Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM represented the landlord, Gregory Darroch of Longwood in a renewal agreement with the United States of America, US Army Corps of Engineers based in Mobile, Ala. with 5,932 square feet in the 11883 High Tech Ave. building at University Oaks Office Park. West also represented the tenant, Numera Social, LLC, now known as Imetrius Inc. d/b/a Numera, Inc. in a renewal agreement with local Landlord Liu Family, Ltd. Numera Inc. renewed their lease for 3,869 square feet at 11869 High Tech Ave. at the University Oaks Office Park.

Ashton Woods Homes opens The Retreat in Bradenton with 12 oversized home sites, Luxury homes priced from the $300s

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has opened The Retreat, an intimate luxury neighborhood with only 12 oversized home sites located off of 17th Avenue N.W. just west of 75th St. N.W. on Manatee Ave. in Bradenton. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes said the new luxury homes at The Retreat are priced from $329,990. Three, four, and five bedroom homes ranging in size from approximately 1,961 square feet to 2,750 square feet of living area are available with three-car garages. Sales information and site tours at The Retreat are available by visiting the sales center at the nearby Palms Vista community on Palma Vista Blvd., Roche said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease Agreement at Airport Industrial Center in Southeast Orlando

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease agreement for Unit 100-I at Airport Industrial Center in Southeast Orlando. NAI Realvest Associate Jeff Clark and Principal Michael Heidrich Sr. represented Boston-based BIEL, REO, LLC, the landlord of the facility located at 7480 Narcoossee Rd. The new local tenant, Generation H, LLC d/b/a Hummus House Pitas and Salads, was represented in the transaction by Karen Rogers Licensed Real Estate Broker.

COLLEGIATE PATHWAYS, INC. PARTNERS WITH ACEAPPLICATIONS, LLC TO TEACH GIRLS HOW TO CODE

Orlando, Fla. -- During Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 9 -15, Collegiate Pathways, Inc. partnered with AceApplications, LLC (AceApplications) to participate in the Hour of Code, an event sponsored by the AAUW (American Association of University Women). The objective of the workshop was to emphasize to middle school girls the importance of coding and encourage them to try computer science. On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 25 girls from Memorial Middle School learned how to code using iPads as part of Tech Sassy Girlz. Tech Sassy Girlz is an initiative of Collegiate Pathways, Inc., (CPI) a local non-profit established to serve low-income, first generation and underrepresented middle and high school students by providing support and opportunities to participants in preparation for college. CPI provides academic and career guidance and exposure and access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields to participants interested in pursuing a degree in higher education. “The workshop included a basic overview of coding and how it applies to the common technology we use in everyday life”, said Courtney Powell, President of AceApplications. Also, a mobile app developed by AceApplications was demonstrated so the “girlz” could gain insight on how smart phone applications are created. This free workshop was held at Memorial Middle School (2220 West 29 St., Orlando, FL 32805) from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. AceApplications is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

PulteGroup and Longwood based Feeding Children Everywhere Partner for Hunger Project to Assemble 24,000 Meals for Local Children and Victims of Philippines Typhoon

ORLANDO, Fla. --- PulteGroup, one of Central Florida’s most active home builders, plans to assemble and package 24,000 nutritious meals for local area children and victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, Friday, Dec. 13 at Del Webb Orlando, located at 225 Ridgewood Lakes Blvd. off U.S. 27 in Davenport. Lyndsey Patterson, Director of Marketing for PulteGroup North Florida Division, said more than 90 executives and staff from Pulte Homes, Del Webb, and Centex throughout the region will be on hand volunteering for the work day along with organizers from Feeding Children Everywhere, the Longwood based charitable organization that distributes food resources worldwide. “Healthy meals and clean water are what is most needed at this time not only in the Philippines, but within our own communities,” Patterson said. “Our PulteGroup team is coming together with Feeding Children Everywhere to assemble non-perishable meals for children in need.”

Ashton Woods Homes opens five move-in ready homes at Tanglewood Preserve in Gibsonton priced from $179,990

TAMPA, Fla. -- Ashton Woods Homes recently opened five ready-to-move-in single family homes at Tanglewood Preserve located off Symnes Road near Gibsonton in South Hillsborough County. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Wood Homes said three, four and five bedroom single family homes at Tanglewood Preserve are priced from $179,990. Ashton Woods Homes has 48 homesites remaining out of 100 at Tanglewood Preserve. Homes range in size from approximately 1,618 to 3,139 square feet of living area. Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Sarasota, Raleigh and Tampa. Recently named the #1 Most Trusted Homebuilder in America in the Lifestory Research Most Trusted Builders in America Study SM, Ashton Woods is known throughout the industry for building homes with award-winning designs that inspire, and offering homebuyers a high level of personalization options. Ashton Woods is also the only builder to nationally utilize the Environments for Living Platinum Program, a program that certifies the energy efficient status of our homes.

Royal Oak Homes Nears 300 Mark in 2013 new home sales

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes has sold 27 homes in seven communities in November for a dollar volume of $6 million. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the home builder is active in seven communities in the Central Florida region. Orosz added that for the first 10 months of 2013, Royal Oak sold 269 homes for $62 million and projects it will reach 300 sales by the first of the year.

Royal Oak Homes has three new models underway at Hammock Trails in Kissimmee

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes has three new models under construction at Hammock Trails located on Ham Brown Road off 17-92 in Kissimmee. Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes, said the three models include the Monica Grand with 2,400 square feet of living area, four bedrooms and three baths. Another new model that’s nearing completion at Hammock Trails is the Monica with four bedrooms and two baths and 1,927 square feet of living area. The Valencia model – Royal Oak’s largest floor plan to be debuted at Hammock Trails – has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths with 2,768 square feet of living area. The models will be completed and ready for viewing by early April, Orosz said. At the same time, Orosz said Royal Oak currently has 35 move-in ready homes underway priced from the $180s and ranging in size from 1,676 square feet of living area to 4,700 square feet. Royal Oak Homes has 234 homesites at Hammock Trails, including 130 in the newest phase, for three, four and five-bedroom homes priced from the $170s to $230,000. As of Dec. 1, Royal Oak has sold 294 homes thus far in 2013. Last year the home builder sold 199 homes in all of 2012. 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 PRESENTS $12,000 CHECK TO FLORIDA HOSPITAL

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently presented a check in the amount of $12,000 to Florida Hospital for the support of breast cancer research and awareness. Matt and Steve Orosz, co-presidents of Royal Oak Homes, said the check represented the home builder’s commitment to join the Pink Army and pledge to donate $500 for each new home it sold in October Royal Oak Homes sold 24 new homes in October throughout seven of its active communities in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, Steve Orosz said. Photo - Left to Right : Royal Oak’s executive team co-presidents Steve and Matt Orosz, Colby Franks executive vice president; on opposite side of check: Ed Gilbert, Board Chairman of Florida Hospital Cancer Institute and two members of the Institute’s staff to his left and everyone in back is Royal Oak sales staff.

NAI Realvest negotiates new lease at SODO Shopping Center off South Orange Ave. for Cupcakes Café, and Cake Decorating Classes

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new agreement for 1,370 square feet of retail space in the SODO Shopping Center at 25 W. Crystal Lake St. in Orlando. Senior Director Jeff Bloom brokered the transaction representing the local tenant Sugar Divas Cakery LLC who leased the suite for sales of cupcakes, cake decorating classes and a café. The landlord of the SODO Shopping Center – off South Orange Ave. south of Michigan St. – is Kimzay of Florida, Inc. (KIMCO) based in New Hyde Park, NY. The tenant plans a January opening of the facility.

NAI Realvest Names Veteran Real Estate Broker Jeff Bloom Senior Director

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest one of central Florida’s largest commercial real estate services companies and developers of industrial facilities, recently named Jeffrey W. Bloom, CCIM as Senior Director. Robin L. Webb, CCIM, managing director at NAI Realvest said Bloom has 25 years of experience in all facets of commercial real estate in Central Florida, including tenant representation, brokerage, investment sales and leasing. Bloom is a graduate of Florida Institute of Technology and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member of the CCIM Institute recognizing expertise in commercial investment real estate. In his new role at NAI Realvest, Webb said Bloom will focus on sale and leasing of office property.

Lennar Opens Villa Rilasare Community Center at Treviso Bay in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- Lennar Homes recently completed and opened the Villa Rilasare Community Center at Treviso Bay, the spectacular golf course community on Tamiami Trail between St. Andrews Blvd. and Collier Blvd. in Naples. Matt Devereaux, director of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes, said the new Villa Rilasare Community Center features a resort-style swimming pool with a poolside restaurant and bar, a separate children’s pool, a Pilates studio, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and a private beach with chairs and hammocks. Lennar is building four different product lines at Treviso Bay – Classic, Coach, Executive Homes and the Verandas, priced from the mid-$200s. Among four designs in Lennar’s Executive series of homes is a one-story model that’s open daily at Treviso Bay – Sophia – with three bedrooms, three full baths, in 2,032 square feet of living area featuring an open concept floor plan and master suite with large walk-in closet and huge master bath priced from the low $400s. All new Lennar homes at Treviso Bay come with the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: upgraded features, appointments and finishes such as impact windows, granite counters, crown molding and stainless appliances, to name a few, all included in the one Lennar Homes price. Last but not least, home buyers at The Verandas at Treviso Bay are accorded free membership in the golf club with no dues or fees, and the Arthur Hills-designed PGA Tour Tournament Players' Club (TPC) golf course is open for play, Devereaux said.

Meritage Homes Opens New Community in St. Cloud

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes recently opened a new community — Nova Grove — in St. Cloud with 89 home sites. Brian Kittle, division vice president for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said work is getting underway on a model home called The Jackson with five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,179 square feet of living area in a two-story design with a three-car garage. Homes at Nova Grove will range from approximately 2,581 square feet of living area to 3,467 square feet and priced in the mid-$200s, Kittle said. Nova Grove, located on Jack Brack Rd. off Narcoossee Rd. in St. Cloud is minutes from a new shopping center, SR 417 access and Southeast Orlando’s Medical City.

Lennar to Start Construction of 170 Move-In Ready Homes in 20 Communities in Tampa Bay Region over Next 60 Days

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar will start construction of 170 new ready-to-move-in homes in 20 communities in the Tampa Bay region within the next 60 days. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the construction boom includes town homes, single-family homes and Lennar’s popular NextGen homes, designed for families with multiple generations living under the same roof. Lennar expects to open all 170 homes before March 1, Metheny said, and by that date many of the homes will have already sold. “For some home buyers a move-in ready home is the more desirable option to a built-to-order home, and that opportunity will be available to them in all 20 Lennar communities in the Tampa Bay region,” Metheny said. Metheny said the homes will range in size from 1,353 square feet of living space to 4,396 square feet priced from $139,900 to more than $300,000, and all Lennar homes include the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of energy efficient GE stainless appliances, luxury finishes and upgrades and designer touches all included in the one Lennar Homes price. Visit www.LennarTampa.com.

Henin Homes Cuts price on four-bedroom move-in ready luxury home with pond views at Riviera Bella in DeBary

DeBary, Fla. -- Henin Homes recently opened a new ready-to-move-in, four-bedroom luxury home with a three-car garage at Riviera Bella, the luxury community Henin Group is developing on the St. Johns River in DeBary. Jerome Henin, founder and owner of the Henin Group, which developed Riviera Bella, said Henin Homes has reduced the move-in price to $389,900 as part of a special promotion if the sale closes by the end of December. The single-story luxury home, built in the Saphira floor plan, offers four bedrooms and three baths in a split plan that provides plenty of privacy. Almost every room of the house offers views of the pond and fountain. With 2,850 square feet of living space, the Saphira floor plan offers plenty of room for living, indoors and out, and an extended patio with a view of the community pond and fountain. The gourmet kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, an oversized pantry and a 36-inch cooking range. The home also features a family room, a den and a three-car garage. Riviera Bella features a private boat ramp to the St. John’s River and a community clubhouse with beach-entry swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, media room and a billiards room. Henin has only 29 home sites remaining for sale at Riviera Bella where new homes range in price from the high $200s to the $600s.

M/I Homes plans to open two new communities in January

ORLANDO, Fla. --- M/I Homes will models at two new communities in January. David Byrnes, area president for M/I Homes in the Central Florida region, said one new community is the Enclave at Bear Lake, located off Bear Lake Rd. and Maitland Blvd. in Seminole County. Byrnes said M/I Homes plans to build on 35 home sites at The Enclave at Bear Lake. A new model home underway at The Enclave is the Norwood II, with three bedrooms, three baths and a game room in 2,178 square feet of living area, priced from $270,990 . New three and four bedroom homes at The Enclave at Bear Lake are priced from $243,990 to $359,990. The other new community M/I Homes will open in January is Narcoossee Village off Narcoossee Blvd. and Jack Brack Rd. in St. Cloud. M/I Homes plans to build 199 homes at Narcoossee Village ranging from 1,758 square feet of living area to 4,700 square feet. New three, four and five bedroom homes at Narcoossee Village will be priced from $229,990 to $350,000. Two models that will be featured by M/I Homes at Narcoossee Village are the four-bedroom, two-bath Capastrano with 2,100 square feet and the Sonoma with five bedrooms, three baths in 3,642 square feet of living area.

Celebration Golf Management Staff to Pioneer Qualified Customer Experience Professional Certification

Celebration, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Management, which owns or manages nine of the finest golf clubs in Central Florida and two more in Tennessee and South Carolina, plans to be the first large-scale organization to pioneer a new Qualified Customer Experience Professional training course and certification. Kenny Nairn, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Golf for Celebration Golf Management, said all employees of the company will participate in the seven session training program and certification. Donna Long, Chief Executive Officer of Learning Journey, Inc. and now Chief Executive Champion of the X Factor Institute, a new division of Learning Journey, will conduct the workshops, Nairn said. Long has more than 15 years of experience as a Human Resources and Training Manager with Disney, including a year and a half at Tokyo Disneyland. “Donna Long will be facilitating staff workshops to not only educate us about the customer experience concept, but to certify us as Qualified Customer Experience Professionals,” Nairn said. “Celebration Golf Management staff will be among the first to be certified and our lapel pins will include the special designation QCXP Pioneer,” Nairn said. “We are taking a whole new approach to the Experience Economy,” Nairn said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease for a Winghouse in Downtown Sarasota

ORLANDO / SARASOTA, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for the 6,296 square foot, partially-equipped, second generation restaurant located at 1991 Main St. in downtown Sarasota. The NAI Realvest team of Jeffrey Tanner and Kimberly Manson negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, Winghouse of Sarasota, LLC based in Largo. The landlord for the property on the corner of Main and Links is Sarasota Main Real Estate, LLC. Opening of the new Winghouse restaurant is planned for early 2014 and it will accommodate over 200 patrons.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Lease Agreements at Airport Industrial Center in Southeast Orlando

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new lease agreements totaling 12,000 square feet at the Airport Industrial Center in Southeast Orlando. NAI Realvest Principal Michael Heidrich Sr. represented Boston-based BIEL, REO, LLC, the landlord of the industrial building located at 7452 Narcoossee Rd. Unit C with 9,000 square feet at Airport Industrial Center was leased by a local tenant, 1100 Atlantic Collision, Inc. who was represented in the transaction by Sean DuPree of Lincoln Property Company. The lease included 34,848 square feet of outside storage space. Central Pump & Supply Inc. of Cocoa, Fla. leased Unit A with 3,000 square feet of industrial space and 10,000 square feet of outside storage was included in the lease agreement. John Brazelton of BSA Realty represented the tenant.

Hendricks-Berkadia Negotiates $21.2 Million Sale of 420 Unit Park Place Luxury Apartment Community in Port Richey

TAMPA, Fla. --- Hendricks-Berkadia Apartment Real Estate Advisors, which ranks as one of the leading multi-family investment banking and research companies in the nation, recently negotiated the sale of the 420-unit Park Place apartment community at 9310 Valley View Lane in Port Richey off U.S. 19. Situated on 23.51 acres, amenities include two pools, Jacuzzi, tennis court, fitness center, two clubhouses, barbeque grills, laundry facilities, and car-care center. Jason Stanton, vice president based in Tampa, negotiated the sale with associate partner Hal Warren of the firm’s Orlando office, and Cole Whitaker, partner who heads Hendricks-Berkadia’s southeast region. Hendricks-Berkadia represented the sellers, Trail Port Richey, LLC and CC Port Richey Apartments, LLC, a partnership of Tom Cabrerizo and Maurice Cayon. Stanton said the investment property which was built in 1985, benefits from more than $1 million in renovations and improvements over the past three years and has the potential to increase future revenues through a value add program, increasing occupancy to market levels. Dorvidor Management Company, LLC paid $21,200,000 for the property.

Park Square Homes Names New Construction Superintendent

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes has named Chris Shrimplin construction superintendent. Shrimplin, who has five years of experience in construction was formerly an area manager at Spraggins, Inc. a building products and services firm in Orlando and was also formerly a project manager for Cambridge Homes in Central Florida. In his new role, Shrimplin will oversee homebuilding activities for Park Square’s community of Waters Edge, according to Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes.

NAI Realvest Names Ryan Beerbower broker associate

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest one of central Florida’s largest commercial real estate services companies and developers of industrial facilities, recently named Ryan Beerbower broker associate. Robin L. Webb, CCIM, managing director at NAI Realvest, said Beerbower has 15 years of experience in commercial property development, project management and construction. Beerbower holds a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Management from University of Florida and he received his MBA from University of Central Florida. Webb said Beerbower will join the Hankins Group Investment Team with NAI Realvest principal Tom Hankins and will be focusing on sale of and investment in office properties in the Maitland and Winter Park areas.

NAI Realvest Negotiates $1.375 Million sale of Two Industrial Buildings totaling 25,200 square feet at Poinciana CommerCenter

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed the sale of two buildings totaling 25,200 square feet of industrial space for $1,375,000.00 at Poinciana CommerCenter West in Kissimmee. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transactions representing the seller, New York, N.Y.-based Poinciana CommerCenter West, LLC. Deeja Foods, Inc. of Kissimmee, who leased two of the largest spaces at Poinciana CommerCenter West, exercised their option to purchase both buildings – 1770 Business Center Lane with 13,600 square feet for $725,000.00 and 1780 Business Center Lane with 11,600 square feet for $650,000.00.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Industrial, Office, Retail Leases in Longwood, Sanford and College Park area of Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated three lease agreements in Longwood, Sanford and the College Park area of Orlando that total 17,945 square feet. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest brokered a lease renewal for 15,045 square feet of industrial/flex space at 260 Hunt Park Cove off Florida Central Parkway and SR 434 in Longwood. MasTec North America, Inc., based in Coral Gables is the tenant and Dunhill Investments, Inc. of Longwood is the landlord. Heidrich also negotiated a new lease for 2,000 square feet of office space at the Brio Business Center, 1205 W. Airport Blvd. in Sanford, representing the Winter Park-based landlord Brio, LLC. The tenant, which plans to use the space for Church offices is G3 Church-Sanford Inc. represented in the transaction by Thomas B. Ball III. At 4315 Edgewater Drive in Orlando’s College Park, Heidrich completed a new retail lease agreement for 900 square feet. The tenant Ernest Chilas of Clermont leased the space to open a resale store. Stout Real Estate LLC is the landlord.

NAI Realvest Completes Two Lease Agreements totaling 5,340 square feet of Office Space at University Court in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated two office lease agreements totaling 5,340 square feet at University Court located at 3361 Rouse Rd. off of University Blvd. in east Orlando. Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM and Associate Ginger Vetter represented the landlord at University Court – RREF Interchange-FL, Rouse, LLC of Daytona Beach – in a new lease agreement for Suite 200 with 2,670 square feet. The tenant is Playoff Technologies, LLC. Veraxx Engineering Corporation, a firm specializing in software development, flight simulation and avionics systems, renewed its lease of 2,670 square feet in Suite 245 at University Court.

Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala to Open New Model Home Park in January

OCALA, Fla. --- A new model home park is currently under construction at Del Webb Stone Creek, showcasing seven brand new floor plans. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in North Florida, said the new model home park will be unveiled on Saturday, Jan. 25, with a Grand Opening celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public but participants must register and RSVPs are encouraged. “We’re expecting a standing-room-only crowd,” Strickler said. “We’ll have seven fully furnished model homes to preview and nine floor plans to showcase and the event will include a live band, wine samplings and snack fare, in addition to tours of new model homes, Reflection Bay amenity center and Elan Spa,” he said. New one, two, three, four and five-bedroom model homes at Del Webb Stone Creek will range in size from 1,133 square feet of living space to 3,656 square feet with one-and-one-half baths to four baths, depending on the model home. Many of the new floor plans will include or have the option to include two or three-car garages and golf cart paddocks, Strickler said. Prices for the new homes will be announced at a later date. New options include zero-corner or pocket sliding glass doors---the sliders are hidden behind the wall to create an expansive opening onto the patio---fixed attic stairs in the garage, expanded gourmet kitchen space, outdoor kitchens, sunrooms, and additional attic storage space among many other options. To register to attend the Grand Opening event, telephone 877-333-5932 or visit www.delwebb.com/stonecreek.

ASHTON WOODS HOMES NAMES NEW SALES ASSOCIATE IN ORLANDO

ORLANDO, Fla. – Ashton Woods Homes has named Francine Siraci New Home Sales Counselor in the Orlando region. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes said Siraci recently started her residential real estate sales career. She was formerly a sales representative in the pharmaceutical industry for 12 years and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Mt. Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y.

Park Square Homes Opens New Smaller, Smarter Model Triplex Home Priced From $140s at Summerbrooke in Mount Dora

Mount Dora, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has opened a unique new neighborhood in Summerbrooke featuring smaller, smarter triplex homes that are priced from the $140s. Park Square Homes sales and marketing coordinator Anthony Rouhana said the homebuilder is selling two and three-bedroom triplex homes at Summerbrooke that range in size from 1,593 square feet of living space to 1,603 square feet with superior energy-saving features to support their affordable pricing and efficient open designs. One new model home---The Hemingway---is open for public viewing daily, Rouhana said. The three-bedroom, two-bath Hemingway model offers 1,593 square feet of living space. Park Square Homes is also building single-family homes at Summerbrooke ranging in size from 1,800 square feet of living space to 3,000 square feet with two-car garages. Summerbrooke is a lakeside community with a clubhouse, pool, parks and old-fashioned street lamps that highlight its Old Florida charm. The community is located two miles from historic downtown Mount Dora’s historic shopping and dining district. For more information, visit www.parksquarehomes.com

Park Square Homes Names Jeff Wright Land Development Manager

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes, one of the largest residential development and home building companies in Central Florida, has named Jeff Wright land development manager Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said Wright was with Park Square Homes from 2004 thorough 2007 and returned. He was most recently project manager for UIG Construction Florida and Southern Site Works. Rouhana said Wright has 10 years of experience in all phases of the acquisition and development of real estate.

Meritage Homes names Magdaleno assistant construction manager

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes has appointed Jorge L. Magdaleno assistant construction manager. Brian Kittle, vice president at Meritage Homes, said Magdaleno formerly worked with Haleakala Construction in Tampa as assistant superintendent and worked with the Dept. of Transportation on the Interstate 75 project. Magdaleno has more than five years of experience in construction projects and attended Florida A&M University.

Villages of Royal Palm premiers two new model homes

PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange recently unveiled two new model homes for the busy winter selling season. Jamie Allen Adley, president of The Villages of Royal Palm, said both new model homes offer three bedrooms. The Bristol model home offers 1,600 square feet of living space with two baths, priced from $180,000 with a two-car garage, Adley said. The Churchill model home, with 2,055 square feet of living space and two baths, is priced from $265,000 with a two-car garage. Adley said 22 home sites are available in the current phase at the Villages of Royal Palm. New two and three-bedroom homes at The Villages of Royal Palm that range in size from 1,300 square feet to 2,400 square feet are priced from the $180s to the $280s.

Beville Road Business Park developed by Winston James is new home to Ivonis Trading Motorcycle Clothing & Accessories

SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. -- Winston James Development, based in South Daytona Beach, recently negotiated a new lease at its Beville Road Business Park, 933 Beville Rd. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, said Ivonis Trading Company LLC, which markets a wide range of motorcycle clothing and accessories online and through mail order, recently leased 1,060 square feet of space for a new warehouse and distribution facility.

UCF Student Entrepreneur launches MyUCards.com to provide student discount cards, fund student non-profits

ORLANDO, Fla., --- A student entrepreneur at the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program has launched a third new business on the UCF campus designed to appeal to students with discounts at local area restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Julien Meyer, the 21-year old CEO of CollegeStack.com and collegeTKTS LLC said MyUCards.com provides University of Central Florida students with discount cards good at Asian Chao, Huey Magoos, The Station Bar and Grill, UE Party Buses, World of Beer, Total Nutrition, and MidKnight Munchies, a startup enterprise launched by a fellow UCF student entrepreneur. Meyer said MyUCards.com automatically donates a portion of its proceeds to student-run not-for-profit organizations on the UCF campus. Students can choose which program to contribute to, Meyer said. “As a successful student entrepreneur, I realize how important it is to give back to the community. Without this school and the people that I have networked with here, I would not be where I am today and it's for that reason that MyUCards.com donates a portion of all proceeds directly back to student run non-profits here on campus,” Meyer said. MyUCards.com provides funding to any organization on campus that meets the requirements of being a student-run, non-profit organization. Students can purchase a MyUCards.com discount card for $20 at MyUCards.com and the discount offer is valid through August 31, 2014. “The savings can pay for the card in as little as two weeks,” Meyer said. For more information or to purchase a MyUCards.com discount card, please visit www.MyUCards.com. Any student organization requiring funding should contact Julien Meyer directly at julien@MyUCards.com For more information on Julien Meyer please visit http://about.me/julienmeyer. Meyer’s company collegeTKTS is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

Ashton Woods Homes opens at Palma Vista in Bradenton

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has started selling in its newest community of Palma Vista, located off Palma Sola Blvd. and Cortez Avenue in Bradenton. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said the homebuilder has 23 home sites available at Palma Vista for homes in a Key West inspired design offering three, four and five bedrooms, and square footage ranging from approximately 2,500 square feet of living area to 4,000 square feet. The Ashton Woods Homes built at Palma Vista come with two and three car garages and will be priced from the low $400,000s, Roche said. For more information, visit ashtonwoodshomes.com and search new homes for sale.

Ashton Woods Homes Has Two New Models Ready for viewing at Carrington in Windermere

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes now has two models completed and ready for viewing at Carrington, its townhome community located off Reams Road in Windermere in Southwest Orlando. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said one model is the Florence with three bedrooms and three baths in approximately 1,892 square feet of living area. The other model is the Sienna with four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in approximately 1,936 square feet of living area. Ashton Woods Homes will be building 78 townhomes at Carrington in four distinct floor plans ranging from approximately 1,892 square feet to 1,936 square feet of living area, priced from $235,990, Roche said. All four plans feature a private courtyard, a two-car garage and the option for a garage apartment.

ICI Homes to host Grand Opening Dec. 7-8 to showcase new Salerno luxury model home at Grand Hampton in New Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. --- ICI Homes, which ranks as one of the most active luxury community developers in Florida, will host a grand opening Saturday and Sunday Dec. 7 and 8 to showcase the new Salerno luxury model home at Grand Hampton, the 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 contemporary styling and an open floor plan with four bedrooms, three baths and optional bonus room and additional full bath in 3,437 square feet of living space. The Salerno model is a customizable design and priced from $438,990, Messina said. Special features include an enormous great room served by a wide galley kitchen with an island and breakfast nook. ICI Homes plans to build 35 new homes at Grand Hampton priced from the $400s. Grand Hampton amenities include a community clubhouse and swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts and children’s playground.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completes design on Publix Supermarket in St. Petersburg

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Baldwin Park based Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers, Planners recently completed design work on the redevelopment of a Publix supermarket on 4th Street and 38th Avenue North in St. Petersburg. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the redeveloped Publix is 49,000 square feet and construction is now underway. 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.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded contract for design of interior buildout at dermatology clinic on Sand Lake Rd.

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract for design of interior buildout for a new a dermatology clinic located at the Rialto on Sand Lake Rd. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the 6,700 square foot clinic is slated for completion in early 2014.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease at Kissimmee Shopping Center for a Hurley Active Wear Store

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 3,902 square feet at Kissimmee Shopping Center 2535 Old Vineland Rd. in Kissimmee. Paul P. Partyka, partner at NAI Realvest negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Herndon, Va.-based KVOS, LLC. Hurley International LLC, an active wear and accessories retailer based in Costa Mesa, Ca. leased the space for its first clearance store. Partyka added that Kissimmee Shopping Center is Hurley’s third location in Central Florida. Other major tenants at Kissimmee Shopping Center include Nike, Beall’s, Dollar Tree, Tommy Hilfiger and Converse.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Downtown Sanford Office Building

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 3,904 square foot office building on a 0.2 acre site at 319 S. Elm Ave. in Sanford. Paul P. Partyka, partner at NAI Realvest, and associate Juan Jimenez, brokered the transaction representing the seller, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. based in Addison, Texas. The buyer is James L. Dunn of Sanford. The free-standing downtown Sanford building was built in 1946.

PulteGroup names new Marketing Coordinator to serve its South Florida Division

NAPLES, Fla. --- The South Florida division of PulteGroup, Inc. recently named Caitlin Hustrulid as Marketing Coordinator. Hustrulid formerly served as media buyer and media relations specialist at Artis‒Naples, home of The Baker Museum and Naples Philharmonic. She also coordinated special events for the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce and was Director of Member Services and Events at the Lee Building Industry Association for six years. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup’s South Florida division said Hustrulid will be responsible for providing marketing support for PulteGroup brands in the South Florida division, including Pulte Homes, Del Webb, Centex and DiVosta. Hustrulid graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a B.A. in Communications with emphasis on Advertising and a minor in Marketing.

Serial Entrepreneur Jonathan Taylor is Keynote Speaker at Forum hosted by Rollins College CFAE, GrowFL, CEO Nexus, Florida High Tech Corridor Council

Winter Park, Fla. -- Jonathan Taylor, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Voxeo, will be the keynote speaker Dec. 10 at a forum of area CEOs and corporate principals hosted by Rollins College Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship and CEO Nexus in collaboration with GrowFL and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Registration and networking begins at 6 p.m. with the program to kick off at 6:45 followed by a Q&A until 8 p.m. at Rollins College Bush Science Center. The event is open to the CEOs of qualified second-stage companies (revenue of $1-50 million and/or 10-99 employees). Anyone interested in receiving an invitation to the event should contact info@ceonexus.com. Taylor founded Voxeo in 1999 to make phone apps easy to build and deploy. He sold the company to Aspect Software in July of this year for $150 Million. Over the last 20 years Taylor started eight companies, sold four and purchased and consolidated 17 more. Taylor is also chairman of Sighthound Labs and Entrenext Ventures. “We expect the presentation by Jonathan Taylor at this CEO Forum will be full of strategic advice that will help make life a little easier for the participating entrepreneurs and CEOs of growing companies in Central Florida,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of GrowFL and associate vice president for Research and Commercialization at UCF. To learn more about CEO Nexus, visit www.ceonexus.com.

Meritage Homes Opens New Verde Park Community in Clermont

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes recently opened a new community — Verde Park — in southeast Clermont. Brian Kittle, division vice president for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said Meritage has 111 home sites at Verde Park for single-family homes ranging from 3,082 square feet of living area to 5,107 square feet, priced from the $300s. Kittle said Meritage is offering four distinct one and two-story floor plans at Verde Park with four to six bedrooms, three and four baths and three-car garages, and each plan has up to six different front elevations. A model home, the Wimberly, with six bedrooms and four baths in 4,700 square feet of living area will be completed, decorated and open for viewing in March, he said.

RedTail Golf Club Standouts Mark Blakefield and Justin Hueber Make Q School Finals for Shot at Web.Com Tour

Sorrento, Fla. --- RedTail Golf Club members erupted in applause when they heard news that fellow RedTail members Mark Blakefield and Justin Hueber qualified to play in the final stage of the PGA’s Q School at PGA West in La Quinta, California December 12 - 17. Steve Downs, Golf Operations Manager at RedTail Golf Club, said Blakefield and Hueber turned in top performances at the recent Q School qualifier at Southern Hills Plantation in Brooksville. Both golfers shot nine-under 279 scores in the four-round Q School tournament, tying them for 16th place---good enough to earn both golfers the chance to tee up in the Q School finals and win a place on the Web.com tour. “Most of our top golfers at RedTail know each other and Blakefield and Heuber are both well-liked and respected around the clubhouse,” Downs explained.

Overseeding Successfully completed at RedTail Golf Club in Sorrento and Course is Open to Play without Restrictions Daily

SORRENTO, Fla. — RedTail Golf Club and its award-winning Dave Harman-designed championship golf course at S.R. 46 and S.R. 44 in Sorrento has successfully completed its summer overseeding and is open to play every day without restrictions. Steve Downs, Golf Operations Manager at RedTail Golf Club, said the overseeding has come in beautifully. “We are just a little early this year, which means we should have an excellent season,” Downs said. “Our course conditions are the best they have ever been and a lush emerald green.” Downs said seasonal residents and winter visitors will more than quadruple the number of tee times during the winter months. “It’s what Florida is most famous for and I don’t know of a better golf course in Florida to experience it. We are very excited and we anticipate a very busy winter schedule,” he said.

Ryland Homes opens New Phase at Connerton in Land O’ Lakes

Land O’ Lakes, Fla. --- Ryland Homes recently opened a new phase for new single-family homes priced from the low $190s in Connerton, located at 8641 Savory Walk Drive, Land O’ Lakes, Fl 34639. Mike Finley, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said the homebuilder has released 32 conservation area and water view home sites in the new phase. “Connerton has been in high demand since its early 2013 grand opening, which drew over a thousand visitors,” Finley said. “To have this caliber of amenities, beautiful home site views, and a highly rated elementary school within walking distance in one community is rare and valuable.” Connerton is a master-planned, designated New Town community with a theme park-style pool, community center with fitness center and a restaurant, and a highly rated elementary school within the community. For more information please go to www.ryland.com/tampa.

Lennar opens new phase at Brandon Pointe with 108 new home sites

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar has opened a third phase with 108 new home sites at Brandon Pointe, located on Providence Road off Causeway Boulevard just five miles from Westfield Brandon Shopping Mall. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lennar plans to build 44 town homes and 64 single-family homes in the new phase. New two and three-bedroom town homes at Brandon Pointe will range in size from 1,500 square feet of living space to 1,600 square feet. New three and four-bedroom single-family homes at Brandon Pointe will range in size from 1,600 square feet to 2,500 square feet with two and three car garages, Metheny said. All Lennar homes at Brandon Pointe feature the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and upgrades including the homebuilder’s EcoSmart program, at one “everything’s included” price, Metheny said. Among the amenities at Brandon Pointe are a lake, common green spaces and a community swimming pool. Visit www.LennarTampa.com.

Newly Released Regional Economic Impact Study Shows UCF Business Incubation Program a Major Job Creator

ORLANDO, Fla. --- A Regional Economic Impact Study of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program shows that the 14-year old network of economic development partnerships between private enterprise and local governments in Orlando, Sanford, Winter Springs, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Apopka and Daytona Beach has helped create literally thousands of new jobs with substantially higher wages than area medians. Gordon Hogan, Director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said the 2013 Regional Economic Impact Study was commissioned by Randy Berridge, President of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, as part of the program’s ongoing effort to analyze and document its productivity and sustainability. Conducted independently by Vernet Lasrado, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Research at University of Central Florida, the 2013 Regional Economic Impact Study concludes that from October 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013, the UCF Business Incubation Program helped generate a direct regional economic output of more than $327 million from an estimated total output of more than $620 million. During the study period the UCF Business Incubation Program directly sustained 1,856 jobs in the Central Florida region and indirectly sustained an additional 1,500 jobs, resulting in more than $18.5 million in state and local tax revenues. Additionally, it is estimated that employees of UCF Business Incubation Program firms on an average earn an income of more than $58,000. “We are surprised and elated by the conclusions of the study,” Hogan said. “It shows we are on the right track and serves as a powerful stimulant for us to work smarter and work harder to improve our performance and extend our reach,” he said. Dr. Lasrado and his team employed a highly regarded and highly sophisticated methodology to more precisely determine economic impacts, Hogan said. “The IMPLAN methodology (IMpact analysis for PLANning) was developed by the University of Minnesota for the U.S. Forest Service more than 30 years ago and is widely regarded today as the most reliable tool for accurately assessing economic performance,” Hogan explained. Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder and Executive Director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said the study indicates what he has been saying all along: that a focused university-based incubation program can be one of the most effective ways private enterprise can stimulate local economic development, spur job growth and help rebuild the economy. “For me, the most impressive finding was ROI---Return on Investment,” Dr. O’Neal said. The study concludes that during the study period the UCF Business Incubation Program helped generate a fiscal return of $6.16 for every $1 of public investment. Dr. O’Neal points out that the UCF Business Incubation Program employs only a handful of professionals. “It’s our client companies and graduate companies that create the new jobs and generate all the local community economic growth,” Dr. O’Neal said. “Our sole effort is to accelerate the rate at which they attain their most productive, most sustainable performance,” he concluded. Release of the 2013 Regional Economic Impact Study of the UCF Business Incubation Program coincides with Global Entrepreneurship Week November 18-24.

Park Square Homes Hosts Grand Opening at Patriots Landing at Reunion Resort to Showcase Floridian Model Home, 50 Home Sites

ORLANDO/KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Park Square Homes recently had a Grand Opening to showcase its new five-bedroom Floridian model home at Patriots Landing at Reunion Resort, the luxury gated golf course community located on Osceola Polk Line Rd off I-4 south of Orlando near Disney. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said the Floridian model at Patriots Landing at Reunion offers five bedrooms with five full baths and a half-bath, in 3,045 square feet of living space priced from the mid-$400s with a two-car garage. Park Square Homes plans to build 50 new homes at Reunion Resort that range in size from 3,000 square feet of living space to 3,400 square feet. Rouhana said luxury homes at Reunion Resort are designed with both rear and front loading garages. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two Industrial Property Sales on Clark St. in Apopka Totaling $975,000

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sales of two industrial properties totaling 10,480 square feet and $975,000 on Clark St. in Apopka. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, represented the buyer HCME, LLC of Longwood in negotiating the purchase of the 7,200 square foot industrial building on 4.3 acres at 2325 Clark St. from seller RJP Properties, LLC for $725,000. The seller was represented by Robby Robinson of Florida Site Selectors. At 2500 Clark St. Heidrich represented seller Huntington Storage, LLC of Altamonte Springs in the sale of a 3,280 square foot industrial facility on 1.17 acres for $250,000. The buyer is Southern Aggregates, Inc. of Ocala.

Ryland Homes Names Veteran Land Acquisition Specialist its new VP of Land for Charleston/Myrtle Beach Division

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Ryland Homes has named Frank L. Finlaw vice president of land acquisitions for the Charleston/Myrtle Beach division. Don McDonough, division president for Ryland Homes said Finlaw is a graduate of The Citadel with a degree in civil engineering and has more than 30 years of experience with top national homebuilders in all phases of the acquisition and development of real estate. “Ryland Homes is expanding in the Charleston and Myrtle Beach regions,” McDonough said. “Frank brings considerable experience and talent to our team. We are extremely proud to welcome him and believe that his experience is vital to the success of Ryland’s expansion plans,” he said. Finlaw was most recently the director of acquisitions and land development with another national homebuilder in the Charleston area and the owner/operator of his own real estate consulting firm. Ryland Homes currently builds single family and townhomes in 10 communities throughout the Charleston-Myrtle Beach region.

Meritage Homes Opens Seven Oaks Community in Winter Springs

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes recently opened Seven Oaks its newest community in Winter Springs located off Shepherd Rd. Brian Kittle, division vice president for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said the new community will offer 138 home sites for three, four and five bedroom single-family homes ranging from 2,000 to 3,467 square feet of living area. Homes at the Seven Oaks will be priced from the $200s. A model home called the Rockford is now under construction and will be ready for viewing in March. The Rockford model will have four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 2,997 square feet of living area.

Del Webb Ponte Vedra Closes on 500th home

Chicago natives buy Ponte Vedra home to be near children in neighboring master-planned community Ponte Vedra, Fla. – Del Webb Ponte Vedra celebrated a milestone recently with the closing of its 500th home in the community located southeast of Jacksonville at 124 Del Webb Parkway, Ponte Vedra. New homeowners Michael and Maureen Cipriano – and their little white dogs Sammie and Rufus – moved into their 2,300-square-foot Dunwoody model on Oct. 7 from Summerville, S.C., where they have lived the past 10 years. In addition to some of the more common motives people move to Florida, i.e., the weather, nature and year-round activities, the Ciprianos have a more personal reason. “Our daughter Kate and son-in-law Tyler live in a neighboring community,” Maureen Cipriano says. “While visiting them, we fell in love with Nocatee and Del Webb Ponte Vedra. But, the great weather also was a factor.” Del Webb’s reputation and the community’s numerous amenities like a splash park, activities and nature trails, also spurred on the Ciprianos’ southerly move. The couple, both of whom are retired from the financial industry, also like that their new designer home is surrounded by the Nocatee Preserve and is less than four miles to the ocean. Del Webb’s Lyndsey Patterson says the community offers 15 floor plans – with square footage ranging from 1,157 to 2,659 – at Ponte Vedra with three ready-to-move-in designer homes available now. Prices are from $193,990 to $393,628. “The Ciprianos’ is a common buying scenario here at Ponte Vedra, and it’s a great story for us to share,” says Patterson, who serves as director of marketing for the Pulte Group’s Del Webb / North Florida Division. In a very short time, Maureen and Michael have immersed themselves into the community via a newcomers’ welcome get-together and various activities. “It’s really impossible to say what we like best,” Maureen says. “Between poker, the women’s club and exercise classes, we’ve managed to meet a lot of people. We love and miss South Carolina, but we’re looking forward to new friends and experiences here. It’s an exciting new adventure.”