UCF Incubation Program Appoints Michael Weiss Program Development Manager

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program has appointed Michael Weiss program development manager. Gordon Hogan, director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said Weiss has seven years of marketing and communications experience within Central Florida, previously serving as the associate director of public relations for Winter Park-based publication conglomerate, Bonnier Corp., and most recently as the assistant director of public relations for UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Weiss earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Florida Atlantic University and is currently pursuing his master’s at UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication. In his new role, Weiss will develop marketing and communication initiatives for the UCFBIP and also work with incubation site managers to create new support programs that will help startup businesses accelerate growth and hiring opportunities throughout Central Florida. About the UCF Business Incubation Program Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 300 emerging companies (including more than 120 current clients and more than 90 graduates) create over $500 million in annual revenue and generate an average wage that is 45 percent above the average wage in the area. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, The Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Orlando, Apopka, Winter Springs, Sanford, Kissimmee and St. Cloud. The UCF Business Incubation Program was named Incubator Network of the Year for 2013. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Exam Plus FL Earns Contract to Provide Services to Major Professional Employer Organization

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. -- Exam Plus FL, which provides administration of drug and alcohol testing programs for employers, governmental and law enforcement agencies, was recently awarded a continuing contract to provide services to Resource Management, Inc. (RMI), a privately owned professional employer organization based in Fitchburg, Mass. José Batista, president and chief executive officer of Exam Plus FL, said the testing programs his company administers are necessary standards for most corporations and governmental agencies. “Exam Plus provides an essential service for RMI clients to facilitate their compliance with background checks, and drug and alcohol testing programs to maintain a safe workplace,” Batista said. RMI serves small to mid-size companies with payroll preparation, risk management, HR, and employment law compliance with branch offices in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Orlando and Miami. Exam Plus FL, a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located in Winter Springs, is a member of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association.

Lennar’s Central Florida Division Names Attorney Kami Corbett Director of Entitlements and Due Diligence

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division, active in more than 30 communities in the Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando, Melbourne and Clermont markets, recently named Kami Corbett director of entitlements and due diligence. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Corbett served as senior counsel with a national client base at Foley and Lardner in Tampa specializing in land use and transactional matters. Corbett earned both her Juris Doctorate degree and L.L.M. degree in Real Property and Development, from the University of Miami School of Law. Her experience of more than 10 years includes legal work for both law firms and government. Metheny said Corbett will head Lennar’s due diligence team in the Central Florida region focusing on underwriting new acquisitions.

Avalon Park to host Ground Breaking Aug. 1 to Showcase New Rental Apartment Homes in Downtown Avalon Park

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Avalon Park will host a Ground Breaking on Thursday, Aug. 1, to showcase a new four-story building with 95 new rental apartments at The Flats at Avalon Park, located in the heart of Downtown Avalon Park. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group, said refreshments will be served at the event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. Hodson said the new building, with 100,000 square feet of space, will complete the third phase of The Flats at Avalon Park, which will total 232 apartment homes. Avalon Park Group partnered with sitEX Properties AG, a Swiss real estate investment company headquartered in Basel, to develop the third phase of the Flats at Avalon Park. For more information or to RSVP contact Stephanie@avalonparkgroup.com or 407-658-6565.

Avex Homes introduces Two New Floor Plans at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel, Fla. -- Avex Homes and Avalon Park Group have unveiled two new floor plans for single family homes at Avalon Park West, the master planned community located off SR 54 in Wesley Chapel. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group, said the Monroe floor plan offers three bedrooms and two baths in 2,181 square feet of living space with a two car garage. Priced from $209,990, the Monroe floor plan comes with three distinctive elevations to choose from and includes an optional porch and a huge flex space that can be turned into a bonus room. Hodson said the Escambia floor plan is one of the most innovative in Pasco County. “The Escambia offers four bedrooms and two baths in 1,832 square feet,” Hodson said. “The two car garage is located at the rear of the house with a driveway that runs along the side of the home and includes a parking court,” Hodson explained. Avex Homes builds single family homes at Avalon Park West that range in size from 1,697 square feet to 2,974 square feet priced from the $170s For information call 813-782-2839 or email Stephanie@AvexHomes.com.

LENNAR’S CENTRAL FLORIDA DIVISION PROMOTES SHAWN REED TO PURCHASING MANAGER

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division has promoted Shawn Reed to purchasing manager. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Reed is a highly talented home building executive who joined Lennar eight years ago as a customer care representative. Reed has served as a construction manager and most recently managed regional planning in Lennar’s Regional Operations Center in Tampa. In his new role as purchasing manager, Reed will work closely with the construction team on bid agreements, scopes of work, construction documents, all phases of product development, Metheny said.

VOLUSIA ATTORNEY RECEIVES NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Luis Gracia is the only attorney in Volusia and Flagler counties to be nationally certified in social security disability law PORT ORANGE – Luis R. Gracia, a partner in the personal-injury law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, recently became board certified in social security disability law by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification, making him the only attorney in Volusia and Flagler counties to hold such a distinction. Gracia, who joined the Port Orange-based firm in 1998, heads up the social security department and hosts its free annual social security seminar for Volusia and Flagler county residents. In addition to social security disability cases, Gracia also handles worker’s compensation, as well as personal injury and wrongful death cases, according to firm president Allan L. Ziffra. “We’re excited that Luis has been recognized for his expertise in this area of the law, and extremely proud that, to date, he is the only attorney in two counties to have achieved this level of certification,” Ziffra said. A graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law from Texas Southern University, Gracia is a member of the American Bar Association, the Florida Justice Association, American Association for Justice, the Florida Bar, the Volusia County Bar Association and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. In addition to being admitted to all Florida Courts, Gracia holds admissions to the National Board of Social Security Disability Advocacy and the National Trial Lawyers Association, and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. 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.

Pulte Homes Unveils New Portofino Home Design at Vizcaya near Jacksonville Beach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has introduced the new Portofino home design at Vizcaya, located near Beach and Hodges Blvd. on Casitas Drive in Jacksonville. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida Division Pulte Homes, said the Portofino floor plan offers three bedrooms with two full baths and a half-bath in 2,052 square feet of living space plus a two-car garage. Special features of the Portofino include a first floor owner’s suite and a spacious kitchen. The Portofino town home is priced from $305,990. The luxury, low maintenance Vizcaya community is located just four miles from Jacksonville Beach. Amenities also include a community clubhouse with a fitness center and swimming pool. Strickler said Pulte Homes builds Mediterranean-styled luxury town homes at Vizcaya in six distinctive floor plans ranging in size from 1,718 square feet of living space to 2,369 square feet, priced from the mid-$200s to the mid-$300s.

Celebration Golf Course named one of Top 50 golf courses for women in U.S.

CELEBRATION, Fla. --- The Celebration Golf Club near Walt Disney World has been named one of the nation’s top 50 golf courses for women by GolfDigest. Carol Daniels, tournament and group sales agent, said Celebration’s welcoming atmosphere, top-course conditions, amenities and beginner-friendly ladies league along with a comfortable 5181 total yardage from the women’s tees are some of the reasons the golf course was selected. Celebration also has junior/ beginner tees. Celebration Golf Club recently launched a summer league for ladies; they meet every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. for golf, prizes and dinner.

Ashton Woods Homes has five ready-to-move-in homes at Rosedale Golf & Country Club in Bradenton

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has five ready-to-move-in homes at its community of Rosedale Golf & Country Club, located off 44th Avenue West and Hwy. 70 in Bradenton. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes, said the five homes range in size from 1,862 square feet of living are to 2,880 square feet and are priced from the $320s. All five homes will be ready in August, Roche said. Rosedale Golf & Country Club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ted McAnlis. The country club features full-service dining, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a heated junior Olympic-sized pool along with lighted Har-Tru tennis courts.

Ashton Woods Homes has four ready-to-move-in homes at Copley Square in Downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes is offering four ready-to-move-in homes priced from the $260s at its Orlando community of Copley Square, located near Downtown Orlando off Delaney and Michigan Avenues. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said the homes range from 2,046 square feet of living area to 2,363 square feet. All four homes will be ready for viewing in August, Roche said. Copley Square amenities include community swimming pool and cabana.

Ashton Woods Homes ends fiscal year with 239 home sales – 70 Percent Increase over the fiscal period last year

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa division of Ashton Woods Homes ended its fiscal year May 31 with 239 homes sold which is a 70 percent increase over sales in the 2012 fiscal year when only 141 homes sold. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes, said Ashton Woods is active in six communities in the Orlando, Tampa and Sarasota regions. The average price of an Ashton Woods home during the period was $249,364, according to Roche.

NAI Realvest negotiates lease renewal at Vistawilla Office Center in Winter Springs for Snap-On Tools.

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease renewal for Suite 1025 with 2,254 square feet in the Vistawilla Office Center, 1511 E. SR 434 in Winter Springs. Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM along with Margaret Knize of NAI MLG Commercial negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, Snap-On Tools Company, LLC, the global manufacturer and marketer of tools. The landlord, Vistawilla Office Center LLC was represented by David McLeod, managing partner.

NAI Realvest Negotiates sale of 109 Acres in Palm Coast

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of 109 undeveloped acres at the northeast corner of Belle Terre Parkway and Citation Blvd. in Palm Coast for $750,000. NAI Realvest principals Kevin O’Connor and Matt Cichocki negotiated the sale representing the buyer, MM&M Enterprises, LLC of La Jolla, Calif. NAI Realvest principal Thomas E. Hankins, CCIM, SIOR, who represented seller BB&T, successor for Colonial Bk, said 60 acres of the tract is useable and designated as mixed-use residential.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Renewal Lease Agreement for 11,096 Square Feet of Office Space at The Citadel in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a renewal lease for 11,096 square feet of office space in The Citadel at 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in southeast Orlando. Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM and principals Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor, brokered the transaction on behalf of the landlord, Citadel Partners, Ltd., based in Groveland. The tenant is Orlando-based Air Transport IT. NAI Realvest is exclusive management and leasing representative for the property and West leads the leasing team at The Citadel.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sublease and New Lease for Office Space at University Court in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated both a sublease and a new lease agreement for 2,096 square feet of office space at 3361 Rouse Rd. Suite 210 in University Court off University Blvd. in east Orlando. Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM said the former tenant / sublessor Cole Engineering needed to sublease the space and PDCS, LLC leased it for the remainder of the term which expires Nov. 30, 2013. PDCS then signed a new lease agreement for an additional term that will start Dec. 1, 2013. West brokered both transactions representing the Sublessor Cole Engineering and the Daytona Beach-based Landlord RREF Interchange-Fl Rouse LLC.

Ryland Homes Reports Sales of Eight New Homes at GreyHawk Landing in Bradenton in First Month since Grand Opening

TAMPA, Fla. --- It’s been a busy summer for Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region. Mike Finley, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in Tampa, said eight new homes sold in the first month following Ryland’s Grand Opening at GreyHawk Landing, located 3.5 miles east of I-75 off State Road 64 in Bradenton. Finley said he attributes brisk sales to the community’s location and reputation – close to shopping, parks, dining and A-rated schools. “GreyHawk Landing is an established community that offers the rare combination of a peaceful, natural environment with conveniences and recreation. Multiple pools and playgrounds are scattered throughout and many pristine preserve areas span the community’s 950 acres. GreyHawk Landing also boasts a fishing dock on a private lake and a two-mile wilderness trail that is perfect for biking, roller blading and exploring. “You rarely need to leave the neighborhood,” Finley said. Ryland is building one and two-story single-family homes at GreyHawk Landing priced from the mid-$200s with three and four bedrooms and two and three-car garages. Ryland offers homes at GreyHawk Landing ranging in size from 1,853 square feet of living space to 2,840 square feet. Three new homes Ryland started at GreyHawk Landing will be ready for September move-in, Finley said. For more information about Ryland Homes and its communities, visit www.ryland.com.

Ryland Homes Starts Construction of New Models and Ready-To-Move-in Homes at St. David at Windsor Plantation

Myrtle Beach, S.C. -- Ryland Homes has started construction of three distinctive single-family model homes and three move-in ready homes at St. David at Windsor Plantation, the master-planned community located east of the Intracoastal waterway at the south end of Myrtle Beach next to Surfside Beach. Gayle Jinks, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland’s Charleston-Myrtle Beach division, said the three ready-to-move-in homes that will be ready for occupancy in October are: The Ambrose II, a single-story home with 1,998 square feet of living space, offering three bedrooms and two baths priced from $269,000 with a two-car garage. The two-story Virginian II floor plan that offers 2,547 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. The Virginian II is priced from $304,000 with a two-car garage. The Conyers II, with 2,574 square feet, is the largest floor plan Ryland Homes offers at St. David at Windsor Plantation. With four bedrooms and three baths, the Conyers II is priced from $314,000 with a two-car garage. Jinks said three new models–Barrett, Litchfield and Bellhaven–are also underway at Windsor Plantation and will be completed and ready for viewing by mid August Ryland Homes is also building new single-family homes priced from the $170s at Devonshire in Windsor Plantation. Windsor Plantation is a gated resort-style, master-planned community that’s less than a ten-minute drive to the beach and in close proximity to major retail centers. Amenities include a community pool and clubhouse.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Markets Luxury Estate at Historic Mountain Lake in Lake Wales, Fla.

ORLANDO, Fla., -- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named sales and marketing agents for a 2.5 acre estate home in the historic, gated, country club community of Mountain Lake, a little-known, extremely private, resort style community developed a century ago within sight of the famous Bok Tower near Lake Wales. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the luxury estate home is a glittering example of 1920s Florida Mediterranean design that has been modernized and completely renovated. Soderstrom said the property is being represented by Michelle Hochfelder an International Luxury Home Specialist with Stirling Sotheby’s Dr. Phillips Marketing Center. The below market price of $699,000 is sure to attract national and international buyer interest, Hochfelder said. The 6,154 square foot estate features five bedrooms, six full baths and two half-baths, with a huge island kitchen, formal living room with fireplace, private dining room that will seat 12, and a generous family room which opens onto a screen-enclosed sitting area surrounded by park views. A grand covered terrace overlooks the large swimming pool, with heated spa and cabana house. The detached four-car garage has a half bath and covered parking space for a golf cart. Mountain Lake was developed in 1915 by Frederick S. Ruth as an exclusive winter enclave for wealthy northern financiers and industrialists, and designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, one of the nation’s greatest landscape architects whose projects include Central Park in New York City and Yosemite National Park. “The Mountain Lake estate home is the best value we have seen in the Florida luxury home category,” Soderstrom said. To view a video of the property go to http://www.stirlingsir.com/eng/3mountainlake The exclusive community – conveniently located near I-4 and Disney World resort amenities – features a finely manicured rolling terrain golf course designed by Seth Raynor, a lakefront setting with views of the Bok Tower, an elegant clubhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with tennis and croquet courts.

For Sale: 50-Acre in town Site near Avalon Park, Econlockhatchee River in East Orlando, Asking Price $3.6 Million

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a 50-acre in town site adjacent to Avalon Park in east Orlando and less than 1,000 feet from the Econlockhatchee River, designated an Outstanding Florida Water by the Department of Environmental Protection. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the site, located on Sunflower Trail, is being offered for $3,595,000. “For its size, location, beauty, and proximity to the Econ River, this is a great price,” Soderstrom said. Benjiman Hillman, International Marketing Specialist with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in the firm’s Dr. Phillips Marketing Center, is representing the property. Soderstrom said the site would be perfect for a private estate, equestrian facility or investment and is minutes from the Lake Nona Medical City and downtown Orlando. “The site is beautiful with big stands of oaks, open areas, a pond and an abundance of wildlife,” Soderstrom said. “In the future – as the area continues to grow – this could be a prime development site.

Lennar to Expand its Revolutionary NextGen ‘Home within a Home’ Program to 11 Communities in Southwest Florida

Fort Myers, Fla. --- Lennar Homes plans to roll out its innovative NextGenTM ‘Home within a home’ program for multi-generational families in 11 communities in southwest Florida. NextGen homes are designed to accommodate multi-generational families. “For thousands of American families today, the family unit includes grandparents, in-laws or adult children, sometimes with children of their own,” said Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division. NextGen homes are designed to provide private living space within the family home. That means a private entry, a bedroom and bath, an eat-in kitchenette and a living room, and some floor plans offer a private garage, Devereaux said. Several factors helped to bring about the nationwide shift toward multi-generational families. Given the realities of today’s economy, adult children often live under their parents’ roof. And in many immigrant cultures, three and even four generations living under one roof is common. “It wasn’t long ago that multi-generational families were the norm in the U.S. Think of the Waltons,” Devereaux said. Devereaux said Lennar will build new NextGen model homes at Emerson Park at Ave Maria, The Forum and Reflection Isles in Fort Myers, Copper Cove, Reflection Lakes and Orange Blossom Ranch in Naples, River Strand in Bradenton, Bella Vida in Cape Coral, Bella Terra and the Preserve at Corkscrew in Estero, and Stoneybrook at Venice. Lennar tested NextGen homes in several Florida communities last year and they proved very popular, Devereaux explained. Lennar is introducing two new NextGen model homes in southwest Florida. The Independence offers 2,518 square feet of living space in the principal living area with five bedrooms, three full baths and a half-bath. The ‘home within a home’ area totals an additional 839 square feet with a bedroom, bath, kitchenette, dining nook and living room, all with its own private entrance. The Independence features a three-car tandem garage. The Liberation floor plan offers six bedrooms with four full baths and a half-bath in the 3,029 square foot main living area with an additional 838 square foot home within a home. “NextGen homes are the future of housing for many American families, and Lennar is proud to be among the first home builders in the U.S. to accommodate this trend,” Devereaux said.

Lennar Has Three-Bedroom Home Ready for Move-in at Twin Eagles Golf Course Community in Naples

Naples, Fla. --- Lennar Homes has a spectacular three-bedroom luxury home ready-to-move-in at Twin Eagles, the award-winning golf course community located five miles east of I-75 off Immokalee Rd. in Naples. Matt Devereaux, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said the 2,246 square foot home---Lennar’s popular Isabella floor plan---is a striking example of Lennar’s Florida-inspired open floor plans evident in all its Executive Series model homes at Twin Eagles. “Twin Eagles boasts more than 1,115 acres of preserves, lakes, open space and miles of biking, jogging and walking paths, with gorgeous preserve and golf course views,” Devereaux said. “The Isabella floor plan is spectacular and the ultimate reflection of the Twin Eagles environment,” he said. Under construction at 12509 Fenhurst Way in Naples, the new luxury home offers a sweeping flow from the covered entry through a wide formal foyer and into a massive open family living area that includes an island kitchen, formal dining area and huge family room that itself opens onto a 24-foot screened lanai. Priced from $472,480, the Isabella’s master suite is large, with walk-in closets and a luxurious master bath. Lennar’s Executive Series homes at Twin Eagles offer four distinctive single-family floor plans including the two-bedroom, 1,850 square foot Victoria, and the three-bedroom Nina and four-bedroom Sophia, each with three full baths. New homes at Twin Eagles range in size from 1,649 square feet of living space to 2,246 square feet priced from the mid $300,000s. And each new Lennar-built home at Twin Eagles comes with Lennar’s Everything’s Included pledge: Granite countertops, GE stainless steel appliances, brick pavers, crown molding, designer interior and exterior light fixtures, tile floors in wet areas, tile roofing and hurricane impact glass windows---all included for one Lennar Homes price. And that price also includes a golf course membership. “That’s a very special value,” Devereaux explained. “Twin Eagles offers 36 holes of Championship golf and a glamorous 47,000 square foot clubhouse with casual and fine dining,” he said. The master-planned community also offers Har-Tru tennis courts and a state-of-the art exercise and aerobics area.

First Green Bank Appoints Lauren Maxwell Assistant Marketing Manager

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank, the fast-growing, award-winning community bank based in Mount Dora with branch facilities in Clermont, Ormond Beach, downtown Orlando and (soon) Winter Park, has appointed Lauren Maxwell assistant marketing manager. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said Maxwell earned her B.A. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida and an M.B.A. Degree from the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business. LaRoe said Maxwell has two years of marketing experience. She was with Walt Disney World for six years in various positions in operations and most recently held a marketing strategy professional internship there.