Villages of Royal Palm has nine move-in ready homes under construction for Winter Season sales

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm started construction on nine move-in ready homes in time to appeal to winter season home buyers. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development and the developer of the Villages of Royal Palm, said he expects to sell all nine homes before the end of April. “Our sales office is busiest from Thanksgiving through Easter,” Schwartz said. “This region is best known as a vacation destination, and many visitors are here to choose a home for their eventual retirement,” Schwartz explained. And many of those home buyers prefer a ready-to-move-in home. “For many home buyers, a ready-to-move-in home is the preferred option. It’s more economical, since they are not adding options, and since we can schedule the construction to build the homes more efficiently,” Schwartz said. Priced from the $180s, the homes range in size from 1,400 square feet of living space to 2,400 square feet, Schwartz said.

Covian Consulting CEO’s Study Featured in Prestigious Professional Journal

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Covian Consulting Principal Maritza Concha, Ph.D., turned a scholarly study of South Florida community-based organizations (CBOs) into a featured article in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Public Administration. The article---titled “Exploring Collaboration, Its Antecedents, and Perceived Outcomes in Service Partnerships of Community-Based Organizations in South Florida,” ---reports Dr. Concha’s look at ways South Florida public service groups share resources and form service partnerships to address social problems. Dr. Concha said her study will help Covian clients build successful service partnerships to alleviate social problems. “Community Based Organizations traditionally collaborate on many issues,” Dr. Concha explained. “My study identifies best practices that CBOs employ as well as areas that need improvement to build capacity at the inter-organizational level,” she said. Covian is a professional consulting organization focused on helping community based organizations and small businesses with research, program evaluation, communication strategies, and staff development. Covian Consulting is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

Carter Solutions Earns contract to help 50-year-old U.S. Flag Maker Launch Web-based Retail Marketplace

ORLANDO, Fla., --- Carter Solutions, a full-service IT solutions company based in Orlando, has earned a contract to help 50-year-old U.S. flag manufacturer Bob Hughes Display in Houston, Texas transition to an eCommerce enterprise. Tony Carter, president of Carter Solutions, said his company’s experience in web development, eCommerce and DotNetNuke — a highly dynamic content management system (CMS) particularly well suited to eCommerce enterprises — played a substantial role in Bob Hughes Display’s decision to move forward. “For 50 years Bob Hughes Display has built a popular regional bricks and mortar business,” Carter said. “The second generation has taken over the business and Bob Hughes, son of the founder of the company, wants to grow the company beyond its Houston base. eCommerce is the company’s key to a global market, although the focus will certainly be here in the U.S.,” Carter said. Carter Solutions will help redevelop the company’s existing web site to create an online eCommerce website to market the thousands of flags and flag products that Bob Hughes Display sells. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to help Bob Hughes Display make the transition to the web,” Carter said. “The internet continues to grow and with smart phones gaining more market share, I am confident that our mobile friendly eCommerce solution will make this project a success,” he added. Carter Solutions is a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.

Park Square Homes Names New Permit Coordinator

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes recently hired construction industry veteran Mary Leathers as permit coordinator. Anthony Rouhana, sales and marketing coordinator for Park Square Homes, said Leathers has more than 20 years of experience in construction and homebuilding. She was formerly permit coordinator for Cambridge Homes in Orlando. Leathers will be responsible for application and obtaining all permits required for new community start up and building permits for all homes sold.

NAI Realvest negotiates new Lease for 8,040 square foot industrial building on CR 419 in Winter Springs

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a long term lease agreement for the 8,040 square foot building at 3553 County Road 419 in Winter Springs. Paul P. Partyka, partner at NAI Realvest and associate Juan Jimenez negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, JLW Lake Doctors, Inc. The new tenant is F3 Fitness Concepts LLC. “This is the second location for F3 Fitness which focuses on crossfitness training,” said Partyka. Wendy Brown of Tizon Commercial represented the tenant.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Leases at Jourdan Crossing Retail Center in Oviedo

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new lease agreements totaling approximately 4,800 square feet at the Jourdan Crossing Retail Center, 310 W. Mitchell Hammock Rd. in Oviedo. George Viele, associate at the firm, brokered both transactions representing the local landlord, Jourdan Crossing, LLC. Oviedo-based restaurant operator Chau Man, LLC leased Suite 800 with 1,370 square feet. Suite 200 with 3,424 square feet was leased by HealthMed Solutions, LLC an Oviedo-based provider of home medical equipment and services.

Veteran Orlando Real Estate Executive Robin Webb Elected President of CCIM Foundation

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Robin Webb, managing director of NAI Realvest in Orlando, was recently elected president of the CCIM Foundation, which fosters commercial real estate education programs and initiatives worldwide and funded scholarships worth more than $750,000 over the past five years. Webb is well known among Florida real estate investors, brokers and lenders, having headed Coldwell Banker's Florida division for 22 years before joining NAI Realvest, a dominant brokerage firm in Florida's high-growth I-4 corridor. Webb is equally well known at the CCIM Institute, where he serves as a member of the CCIM board of directors and on the boards of the CCIM Institute Foundation and CCIM Technologies. A senior instructor on the CCIM faculty, Webb has made professional education a career objective. He has earned seven professional designations and launched a career mentoring initiative at NAI Realvest to develop the next generation of executives at the 32-year old firm. “As a director and donor for a number of years and knowing what a dynamic and dedicated board of directors we have, it is truly an honor to serve as president," Webb said. Webb will continue to serve as managing director at NAI Realvest during his one-year term as president of the Foundation. Webb said he plans to expand the CCIM Foundation's real estate gifting program in 2014 by focusing on corporate giving from organizations that benefit from superior real estate education. And that involves more than just asking for donations. Webb plans to be on hand when the CCIM Foundation hosts its first 2014 Real Estate Gifting Seminar Feb. 4 at the NAI Global Convention in Las Vegas. Established in 1988, the CCIM Foundation’s mission is to advance and foster commercial real estate education through scholarships, programs and initiatives, according to its charter. The organization relies on donations. The Named Endowed Scholarship Program within the Foundation additionally administers the granting of 53 named endowed scholarships created to recognize senior real estate professionals throughout the U.S.

Del Webb Southshore Falls Residents Create Their Own ‘Field of Dreams’ in Apollo Beach

APOLLO BEACH – After winding down busy careers and settling into new homes at Del Webb Southshore Falls, the four retirees were looking forward to their “active-adult” lives. But, instead of the typical tennis, golf or shuffleboard activities, this lively foursome had plans for a different kind of retirement. Don Cameron, Al Eaton, Bill Scalpelli and Randy Sanney wanted to do something that most of them hadn’t done for 20, or in some cases even 40, years…play softball. “Don actually started the team, Southshore, but because he’s a snowbird it basically left Al, Bill and I to keep the team going,” Sanney said. And, that’s exactly what they’ve done the past two years practicing every Monday at 9 a.m. and going to another nearby community field on Wednesdays to play against another team “just for fun.” The team roster now is up to 14, many of whom were recruited while exercising at the Del Webb Southshore Falls gym or pool. “When we first started we could not hit, nor catch,” said Sanney. But, the Detroit businessman who sold a wholesale business and moved to Del Webb Southshore Falls with wife Nancy three years ago soon discovered that was the least of their problems. The nearest ball field – about two miles from Del Webb Southshore Falls – was at the Apollo Beach Park on Golf and Sea Boulevard. There were no fences. No third base. The diamond was covered by grass and weeds. And, that was the good part. “The outfield had hundreds of anthills,” he recalled. After dousing the field with lots of liquid and powdered ant killer that he sprang for, he just hoped he “got them all.” The weed and grass issue was a different story. Because the park manager said machines were not allowed on the field, everything had to be done by hand. That included spraying gallons of weed killer, and digging up more than 50 wheelbarrows of sand and clay to level the field. To finish it off, it was raked by hand nearly a dozen times. It took about 30 days to complete, and as Sanney said, it is still a work in progress. “I go down there every Sunday and drag the field with a homemade chain-link fence that we made by screwing four- and six- inch screws into,” he added. Sanney – who played on adult softball leagues for about 20 years before quitting because of health issues – is to be commended for his tireless efforts on the Apollo Beach Park ball field, according to Steve Nicholson, lifestyle director at Del Webb Southshore Falls. “Randy has spent countless hours – not to mention money and sweat equity – on that field,” Nicholson said. We can’t thank him enough. And, who knows how many Apollo Beach residents are and will benefit from his good will.” Sanney said the guys – who have purchased jerseys and hats – now are starting to look like a real team and are as excited as a bunch of kids. But, what’s even more exciting, he said, is knowing that their hard work is appreciated. “Recently, when we were leaving the field a man and his son thanked us because they now can play T-ball without getting hurt,” Sanney explained. “Now, it’s all worth it to me.” Del Webb Southshore Falls offers single-family homes in four designs ranging from 1,730 to 2,278 square feet of living space and ranging in price from $214,990 to $234,990. Single-family homes feature two to three bedrooms and two bathrooms on 50-foot home sites. Also offered are villa homes in four designs ranging from 1,363 to 1,650 square feet and ranging in price from $157,990 to $184,990. The community features a 14,000-square foot Wellspring Club with its Seven Seas Grand Ballroom, heated tropical lagoon-style swimming pool, auxiliary pool, resistance swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts, putting green, billiards room, Internet café, library, card room, arts and crafts room and a multitude of social clubs. Del Webb Southshore Falls offers an explore program featuring overnight accommodations in a fully-stocked and furnished villa with full access to amenities, two complimentary bicycles to use for the duration of the reservation and complimentary dinner vouchers. Three models open daily. For more information, contact the sales center at 866-813-4712.

Lennar Homes to Showcase Four New Models at Grand Opening of Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch Saturday, Feb. 1

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Lennar Homes will host a grand opening to showcase four new model homes on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch, located off Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Bradenton. Matt Devereaux, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said the home builder will unveil its Princeton, Oxford, Chapel Hill and Cambridge Grande model Manor and Estate homes and provide refreshments and entertainment from 1 to 3 p.m. All four model homes are professionally decorated. The two-story Chapel Hill model home is the most expansive of the Estate Homes with five bedrooms, four full baths and one half bath in 3,800 square feet of living space with a three-car garage. The Cambridge Grande model home is almost as grand, with 3,025 square feet of space, three bedrooms, three full baths and one half bath. The two-story Cambridge Grande also features a three-car garage. Two model Manor Homes to be showcased include the Oxford, one of Lennar’s popular NextGen homes for families with multiple generations under one roof. The two-story Oxford model offers 3,828 square feet of living space with six bedrooms, four full baths and two half-baths. The Oxford is designed to provide a private living suite that’s perfect for grown children living at home, elderly parents or other family members. The single-story Princeton model home offers 2,245 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, two baths and a three-car garage. All homes at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch feature Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: upgraded finishes, superior appliances and many unique features all included in the one Lennar Homes price. “Lakewood Ranch is such a unique community we knew we needed to design spectacular homes with exceptional features to meet the expectations of home buyers here,” Devereaux said. “With these four model homes we have exceeded our goal and I can’t wait to hear what people have to say about them,” Devereaux added. New homes at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch are priced from the low $300s.

Realvest Development Chairman sees advantages ahead as Spec Industrial Boom unfolds in 2014, Credits Economic Gains

Orlando, Fla. --- Co-Star Group’s latest forecast sees big gains in speculative warehouse development in 2014… and that’s good news for George Livingston, chairman of Realvest Development in Orlando. Ranked as one of Central Florida’s most active developers of commercial warehouse facilities in Central Florida, Realvest Development has liquidated much of its assets and is actively seeking specialized development opportunities. “Co-Star Group forecasts that demand for quality warehouse and distribution space will outstrip supply in 2014,” Livingston said, especially Class A distribution space. “Speculative development accounts for almost two-thirds of the 59 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space under way in the U.S. right now,” Livingston said. “Warehouse vacancies dropped almost a full percent nationwide last year and should drop below the 8 percent mark by summer,” Livingston said. “At the same time fully stabilized properties are selling at about the same low cap rates we saw at the top of the cycle,” he added. Among the economic forces spurring new warehouse development is obsolescence. “Tenants want modern, efficient space and much of the vacant space on the market today is older, poorly designed by today’s standards and ill-equipped to adequately accommodate modern, technology-proficient operations,” Livingston said. “Investors are seeking to buy well designed space in markets that have job and population growth and many areas are turning to new cluster designs that attract job creators. Those programs also accelerate demand for new space,” Livingston said.

DiVosta Homes to Host Model Showcase Events Feb. 1 at VeronaWalk in Naples and VillageWalk of Bonita Springs,

NAPLES, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes will host simultaneous model showcase events from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at VeronaWalk in Naples, 7676 Collier Blvd. Naples, and at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs, 28025 Umiak Court in Bonita Springs. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing, said DiVosta plans to showcase five decorated two and three-bedroom model homes ranging from 1,392 square feet of living space to 2,488 square feet at VeronaWalk in Naples, including – The three-bedroom Kendall II model with 1,759 square feet of living space that includes three baths along with a covered front porch and rear entry two-car garage, priced from $282,990. The 1,542 square foot Carrington II model, priced from $247,490, and the Tifton, priced from $322,990 with 1,861 square feet, both two-bedroom, two-bath plans with two-car garages. The three-bedroom Vernon Hill model home has a den and two baths in 1,911 square feet of living space, priced from $322,990 with a two-car garage. The 2,315 square foot Dunwoody Lane model, the largest model on display at VeronaWalk at Naples, with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, an open kitchen overlooking the great room, walk-in closets in all bedrooms, a guest suite with private bath and a two-car garage, all priced from $361,490. Mairn said Village Walk of Bonita Springs is offering tours of five decorated model homes, including the three-bedroom, three-bath, two-story Dublon model townhome, priced from $205,990; Four single-family homes – the two-bedroom Tifton model, priced from $282,490; the three-bedroom Vernon Hill, priced from $282,490; the Pine Spring with two bedrooms, two baths and a flex room/optional third bedroom in 1,429 square feet priced from $214,490 with a two-car garage ; and the three-bedroom Dunwoody Trail model, with 2,488 square feet of living space, three baths, plus a two-car garage, all priced from $338,990. Mairn said both model showcase celebrations will offer live music, refreshments and tours of model homes. The events are free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP for the VeronaWalk open house, call 239-417-6400 and for the VillageWalk event, 239-948-4141.

Oceans Luxury Realty to host open house to showcase new location in Daytona Beach Shores

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- Oceans Luxury Realty will host an open house Feb. 13 to showcase its new offices at 3162 S. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach Shores. Crystal Anderson and Enis Qosja, co-founders and partners at Oceans Luxury Realty, said the public is invited to enjoy refreshments and a tour of the firm’s third office from noon to 2 p.m. along with officials from the City and Board of Realtors. Anderson said the new offices are the result of a merger with Harbor Village Realty of Port Orange. Oceans Luxury Realty opened its doors last year.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Long Term Lease on Hwy 17-92 in Longwood

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a long-term lease agreement for a 2,100 square foot free-standing retail building at 1000 S. U.S. Hwy 17-92 in Longwood. NAI Realvest Principals Matt Cichocki and Kevin O'Connor negotiated the lease representing the landlord Lee Chip Ith & Samneang Ith Chang of Lamont, Calif. TMX Finance of Savannah, Ga. is the new tenant operating an InstaLoan at the site. InstaLoan provides quick personal loans and they have locations throughout Florida and Georgia.

Celebration Golf Management Names General Manager at RedTail Golf Club

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Management, which owns and/or operates seven golf courses in the Central Florida region, recently promoted Linda Gabauer to general manager at RedTail Golf Club Kenny Nairn, chief operating officer for Celebration Golf Management said Gabauer began her golf career at RedTail Golf Club in 2012. Prior to her promotion, she was assistant general manager. Nairn said Gabauer has 25 years of management experience in the high end retail industry. “Linda has had a vast range of responsibilities which have demonstrated her leadership and customer service, along with dedication, passion and commitment. These attributes come natural to her personal management skill, and are a must for our company,” Nairn said.

Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita recently hosts Wish Child and Family for VIP Weekend

KISSIMMEE Fla. -- Stonegate Golf Club recently extended its hospitality to nine-year-old Andrew Lumm and his family for a special V.I.P. treatment weekend. Andrew who is a wish child with Give Kids the World along with his twin sister Katelyn and brother Ryan, mom Rose Mary Lumm and dad, David Lumm were all given V.I.P. treatment during their 3-day stay. Arto Rahmani, general manager for Stonegate, said Rose Mary Lumm spoke to club members about what Give Kids the World has meant to her family. The Lumm family was also hosted at The Grille where they received magnificent meals with V.I.P. treatment. Rose and David Lumm met when Rose was teaching children for the Department of Defense in Germany and David was serving in the Army. Andrew loves exploring, reading and meeting new people and his twin Katelyn enjoys the outdoors, skating and praise dance. Older brother Ryan loves drama, reading and helping others. The Lumm family currently resides in Orlando. When asked; “what does Give Kids the World mean to your family?” Rose Lumm replied: “It is a gift…a slice of heaven on earth”

Over Seeding of Fairways at Legends Golf Club Now Complete, Fairway Cart Restrictions Have Been Lifted

CLERMONT, Fla. --- With a new look on the fairways at Legends Golf Club in Clermont, golfers are ready for the winter season. Jay Scruggs, general manager at Legends Golf Club, said they recently completed over seeding the fairways, greens, and tee boxes, all resulting in lush turf on every hole. “The visual appeal of the golf course is almost as important as its playability,” Scruggs said. “Over seeding at this time of the year means golfers can look forward to a great season of playing golf on a beautiful course,” he added. Scruggs said as many as three times the number of golfers will play Legends Golf Club over the next five months than in prior years. Legends Golf Club is open to the public seven days a week. Fairway cart restrictions have been lifted, much to the delight of everyone, Scruggs said. Around this time last year, Legends Golf Club in Clermont purchased 75 new 2013 Club Car Precedent model golf carts. Visit www.cgmgolfproperties.com.

Kings Ridge Golf Club Reopens Both Golf Courses after Reseeding as Staff Braces for Busy Winter Season

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont has reopened its fairways and removed all cart restrictions after extensive re-seeding and Lee Williamson, Head Golf Professional at Kings Ridge, said both 18-hole championship courses are in perfect shape for the winter season. “We are highly motivated and well prepared for a record winter season at Kings Ridge,” Williamson said. Williamson explained that Kings Ridge over-seeded the tees, fairways and greens on the Kings Course and the tees and greens of the Ridge Course. Current rates at Kings Ridge are $29.95 until 1 p.m. and $24.95 in the afternoons on the Kings Course. On the Ridge Course, greens fees are $21.95 before 1 p.m. and $14.95 in the afternoons. Kings Ridge Golf Club is owned and operated by Celebration Golf Management.

DAVE BREWER INC. REPORTS BIG INCREASE IN LUXURY HOME CONSTRUCTION IN 2013

SANFORD, Fla. --- Dave Brewer Inc. has built 11 new luxury homes in 2013 that sold for an average of $1.6 million each. Matt Trask, vice president of Dave Brewer Inc., said the luxury home builder built six homes in 2012 that each sold for $1 million plus. Remodeling projects this year brought an additional $2.5 million in revenues, Trask said. Dave Brewer Inc. has also seen an increase in tear down activity in the Markham Woods/Lake Mary area in which a client purchased an existing home just for the land and tears down the exiting home to build a new one. “Limited lots available for custom homes in the Markham Woods Road area has driven the demand for tear down projects” Trask said.

Henin Homes offering special discount on new “Maranello” move-in-ready home

DeBary, Fla. – Henin Homes is offering a special discount for a move-in ready home in its new Maranello floor plan at Riviera Bella the award-winning, gated luxury community overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary. Jerome Henin, president of the Henin Group said the new and “dynamic” Maranello offers three bedrooms, a loft, three full baths and a half bath in 2,396 square feet of living area with a two-car garage for a discounted price of $327,270. Henin Homes is also offering special incentives to real estate brokers on its move-in ready homes, Henin said. For more information visit the Riviera Bella sales office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thorough Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays at 107 Verde Way in the Turino luxury model home.

DEL WEBB ORLANDO UNVEILS NEW MODEL HOMES AND HOME SITES

Orlando, Fla. --- Del Webb Orlando, the country’s number one active-adult homebuilder, will open three new model homes at the community’s model park in Davenport on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in the North Florida region, said the three homes are part of the Inspired Design collection which are consumer tested home designs. Del Webb has listened to consumers to ensure the homes are Life Tested®, built for how you live. The home designs have a smarter use of living space with rooms intended to be used all the time, not just once or twice a year. They have open, flowing living and dining spaces that are not just ideal for entertaining but perfect for everyday living. Strickler added that the new designs at Del Webb Orlando also incorporate natural light into the living areas and more usable space, including functional storage and loft designs. “These new designs are a part of the Garden Series at Del Webb Orlando and range from 1,133 square feet of living area to 2,188 square feet, with prices starting at $159,990,” Strickler said. Del Webb Orlando also features five additional model homes from their Classic Series of home designs that offer even larger home sites and living spaces ranging from 1,600 to 2,831 square feet, with prices starting at $198,990. All new homes at Del Webb Orlando offer a multitude of energy efficient features and are able to participate in an optional solar program. Visitors can tour all eight model homes at the model park, listen to live music outdoors in the garden-like setting, and sample desserts and coffees while enjoying the taste of a new life at Del Webb Orlando. Del Webb Orlando offers world class health and wellness amenities that are all part of the Del Webb lifestyle — an endless choice of activities, pastimes, hobbies and events that make every day new and inspiring. These are administered by a full time lifestyle director. Visit delwebb.com/dwo for driving directions and to print your gate pass for the event.

Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita management team, residents hold holiday fundraisers for Kissimmee’s H.O.M.E. program

Kissimmee, Fla. -- Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita set up an "Angel" tree in the foyer at The Grille restaurant with 34 Angel ornaments listing the names, gender and ages of the children from the H.O.M.E. program in Kissimmee. Arto Rahmani, vice president of Food and Beverage Operations for Celebration Golf Management, said the children named range from 5 months to 15 years of age and Solivita residents and the Stonegate Golf management team were able to provide a gift to every child listed on the tree. “It is a privilege to be able to give some happiness to those who are unfortunate especially around the holidays,” Rahmani said. “Many thanks to all who have helped us in this community service effort. We will continue to strive and support our community in every way we can,” he said In addition, Stonegate Golf Club’s Holiday Gift Basket Raffle raised $521.00 for the H.O.M.E. program. H.O.M.E. (”helping others make the effort”) has a goal to break the cycle of homelessness by providing housing and life skills to homeless women and their children.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Negotiates Sale of 398 Home Sites at Hunter’s Ridge in Ormond Beach for $8.7 Million

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently negotiated the sale of 398 home sites at Hunter’s Ridge in Ormond Beach for a total of $8.7 million. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said associate John Kurtz negotiated the two part sale representing both the sellers. Sixty-eight estate home sites of Ashford Lakes Estates at Hunter’s Ridge sold for $2.2 million to The Resource Group LLC, an investment and development group out of Jacksonville. The seller was Ashford Lakes Estates, LLC BADC Huntington Communities, LLC purchased 330 partially developed single-family and townhome sites for $6.5 million. The sale included Huntington Townhomes, Huntington Lakes and Huntington Woods. The seller was TP Investments, LLC. Hunter’s Ridge is a 5,000-acre DRI located on S.R. 40 just west of I-95. Hunter’s Ridge still has 1,100 undeveloped acres approved for 1,900 more home sites as well as commercial space, a new school and other amenities. John Kurtz with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is also representing the seller of this remaining acreage, which is on the market for $15,000,000.00.

Blackton, Inc. reports uptick in sales of home builder supplies in Orlando, Tampa Regions

Orlando, Fla. --- Blackton. Inc., one of the region’s largest suppliers of wholesale materials and supplies to the home building industry, reports a big increase in sales to home builders in Orlando and Tampa. Michael “Micky” Blackton, chairman of the 59-year-old firm his father founded, reported one contract with KB Home that totals $5 million to supply roofing and flooring materials for 450 new homes planned at Etowha in Tavares, Avellino in St. Cloud near Lake Nona, and Silver Leaf in Sanford. Blackton earned a second contract recently with Maronda Homes valued at $4.5 million to provide roofing and flooring supplies for 500 new homes planned at Sugarmill Woods in Homosassa and Spring Hill in Hernando County near Brooksville. “After five slow years we’re starting to see a major revival of the home building industry and we anticipate a very busy year in 2014,” Blackton said.

Avalon Park West, Avex Homes win top Tampa Bay Builders Association Awards of Excellence for Marketing

Tampa, Fla. --- Avalon Park West, the friendly home town Avalon Park Group is developing on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, won three major awards during the recent Tampa Bay Builders Association Awards of Excellence for sales and marketing. Avalon Park West earned the top honors for Best Sales and Marketing in 2013 and Best Brochure for a community or builder. Avex Homes, which is partnering with Avalon Park Group at Avalon Park West, was honored for best logo. Stephanie Hodson, vice president of marketing at Avalon Park Group, said she was surprised and delighted by the awards. “We work very hard to be the best because we believe in the community we are building in Wesley Chapel,” Hodson said. “Recognition from your peers is always the best reward,” she added. Awards of Excellence are judged by the Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council.

LENNAR IS PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS JAN. 11 FOR GRAND OPENING AT FIDDLER’S CREEK IN NAPLES

Naples, Fla. --- Lennar Homes plans to pull out all the stops at the Jan. 11 Grand Opening of Fiddler’s Creek, the private residential golf course community located off Collier Blvd. between Naples and Marco Island. Matt Devereaux, director of sales and marketing for Lennar in southwest Florida, said four professionally decorated model homes will be open Saturday and Sunday. Food and beverages from will be served 1 to 3 p.m. (Saturday). Lennar will make every effort to showcase its most spectacular luxury homes at Runaway Bay at Fiddler’s Creek---the spectacular Bougainvillea model home priced from $625,990 and the three-bedroom Laurel model home, a masterpiece of luxury living priced from 725,990. The single-story Bougainvillea model offers three bedrooms and three baths in 2,800 square feet of living space with a three-car garage, Devereaux said. The open floor plan features a great room, island kitchen, dining room, nook and huge screened lanai---with an optional summer kitchen---that altogether total more than 800 square feet of space for family gatherings, social occasions or quiet time relaxing. The two-story Laurel takes luxury living to a whole new level, with a screened wrap-around lanai that offers private entrances from the master suite, family room and second bedroom, and combined with the open family room, nook, island kitchen, living room and formal dining room, the Laurel model home could host as many as 100 guests for social occasions. The second-story bonus room features a private balcony and bath. Devereaux said two professionally decorated luxury model coach homes will also be open for tours next door at Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek. The single-story Florence model Coach Home offers three bedrooms and two baths in 1,741 square feet of living space priced from $280,990 with a two-car garage. The two-story Verona model Coach Home offers three bedrooms and two baths in 2,110 square feet priced from $300,990 with a three-car garage. All Lennar homes at Fiddler’s Creek come with the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: upgraded features, appointments, appliances and finishes all included in the one Lennar Homes price. Fiddler’s Creek features a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course and community clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center and aerobics studio, a swimming pool, tennis courts, walking trails, ponds and conservation areas throughout. Located 15 minutes from downtown Naples, Fiddler’s Creek is convenient to some of the finest shopping, dining and beaches in the area and 15 minutes from the acclaimed Marco Island.

Lennar Southwest Florida set to open Bonita National Golf & Country Club in 90 to 120 days

FORT MYERS Fla. -- Lennar Homes is planning to open Bonita National Golf & Country Club in the spring. The luxury community is located east of Interstate 75 at the end of Bonita Beach Blvd. Matt Devereaux, director of sales and marketing for Lennar in southwest Florida, said Bonita National Golf & Country Club will feature an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gordon Lewis along with a community clubhouse and activity, tennis and state of the art fitness center, resort style swimming pool and more than 200 acres of lakes, conservation area and walking trails. “That’s just the start,” Devereaux said. And he isn’t kidding: Lennar only acquired the property known as the Lee-Hendry Holdings, in September. “This is one of the most beautiful community sites in the entire region and the golf course, nature trails and luxury home sites will show off wonderfully,” Devereaux said. “We’re confident Bonita National Golf & Country Club will rate as one of the region’s hottest new communities in 2014,” Devereaux said. “Bonita National Golf & Country Club will stand as a signature community development for Lennar and we’re putting every ounce of our experience and expertise into developing the premier luxury community in the Naples‒Fort Myers region,” Devereaux said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease for Sand Lake Shoppes in Southwest Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease agreement for 1,375 square feet of retail space at Sand Lake Shoppes, 1913 W. Sand Lake Rd. in Southwest Orlando. The NAI Realvest team of Jeffrey Tanner and Kimberly Manson negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Sand Lake Shoppes Family LP based in Altamonte Springs. BizCard Express of Orlando, LLC is the new tenant.

NAI Realvest negotiates four leases totaling 47,020 square feet at industrial centers in Sanford, Orlando, Kissimmee areas

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed four lease agreements totaling 47,020 square feet of industrial space in Orlando, Sanford, Kissimmee, and Oakland in West Orange County. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest representing each landlord, negotiated all four transactions, which included the following. Local landlord Monroe North SPE, LLC leased 19,670 square feet to Sanford-based American Battery Company at Suite 1030 in Monroe CommerCenter North, 4200 Church St., Sanford. The tenant formerly occupied suite 1018 with 9,336 square feet. Landlord D and D Investments LLC of Orlando leased 18,550 square feet to a new tenant – Orlando Sentinel Communications Company LLC – at 1942 W. New Hampshire St., Orlando. Micah Strader of CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant. In Kissimmee, landlord Poinciana CommerCenter West, LLC leased 6,400 square feet to TVM Building Products, Inc., a new local tenant at 1756 Business Center Lane. Winter Garden-based landlord Countyline Suites LLC renewed a lease agreement with tenant Eurofins Agroscience Services Inc., a materials testing lab, at Suite A9 with 2,400 square feet in the industrial center at 940 W. Oakland Ave. Oakland, Fla.

Rhodes+Brito Architects in Orlando Earns Continuing Services Contract to Provide Architectural Services to Lake Schools

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Rhodes+Brito Architects in Orlando was recently awarded a three-year Continuing Services Contract with Lake County Schools. Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito Architects, said the firm will provide Lake County Schools with design, engineering and project coordination services as requested on a per-project basis. Brito said projects covered under the contract are typically small in scope and often involve renovations. The Lake Schools contract includes a $2 million cap.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge Promotes New General Manager, And Three More

Winter Garden, Fla. --- Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden recently promoted Toby Krause to General Manager. Michael J. Neumann, Retail and Marketing Manager at Orange County National, said Krause has served as assistant manager of the award-winning facility since May of this year. Krause began his golf career in 2007. Neumann said Orange County National recently made three additional promotions: Kevin Naylor was promoted to Assistant General Manager at Orange County National. Naylor joined the Orange County National staff in 2012 and most recently served as Golf Shop and Event Supervisor. Thomas Coman was promoted to Golf Operations Supervisor and Head Golf Instructor. Coman, who has more than seven years of experience as a golf instructor, joined the Orange County National staff in 2012. Most recently Coman served as Golf Shop Assistant and Instructor. Thomas Keegan was promoted to Outside Service Supervisor. Keegan joined the Orange County National staff in 2012 and most recently served as a member of the facility’s Outside Service Team.

Celebration Golf Management Names New Golf Sales Associate for Eagle Creek Golf Club

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Celebration Golf Management, which owns and/or operates seven golf courses in the Central Florida region, recently named Jessica Handlan Golf Sales Associate at Eagle Creek Golf Club in southeast Orlando. Ed Whalley, General Manager at Eagle Creek, said Handlan who has over eight years of experience in both golf and hospitality, was formerly Assistant Manager at Orlando’s Dubsdread Golf Course. In her new role at Eagle Creek, Handlan will being selling tournaments, group outings, charity golf events, and seasonal golf leagues for the course. “With my strong golf background and dedication to guest services, I’m confident I will achieve positive sales results,” Handlan said. “As an avid golfer, I will relate my own experiences to our Eagle Creek guests in a friendly and honest way,” she explained. “We are excited to have Jessica join our team and know she will strive to be the best,” Whalley said.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded contract to design “Retail Center” by Palm Beach Mall

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently won a contract to design a new “retail center” located off I-95 by the Palm Beach Mall on Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the power center totals 310,100 square feet and the developer is New England Development in Boston.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded contract on redevelopment project in Hialeah

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park started work on a redevelopment project with Sears Holding Co. on a former K-Mart facility in Hialeah. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the facility, originally 100,000 square feet and now under construction, will be home to an 18,000 square foot Aldi grocery store and an 80,000 Sears store. Cuhaci & Peterson 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 complete design work on Eagle Creek Center

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed design work on Phase One of a new Eagle Creek Retail and Business Center. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson said Eagle Creek is located off Narcoossee Rd. and Phase One of the center will offer around 28,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and professional office space that will be ready for occupancy in the fall of 2014. The owner and developer of the project is Emerson International, Inc. 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 awarded Design Contracts for Seven Leslie's Pool Mart Stores

Orlando, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, were recently awarded contracts to work on designs for seven Leslie’s Pool Mart stores. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said all seven are 3,000-4,000 square feet and are located in Madison, Ala., Olive Branch, Miss., Arnold, Md., E. Newport N.Y., Mishawauka, Ind., Bradenton and Punta Gorda, Fla. Cuhaci & Peterson 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 report revenues up by more than 15 percent over last year

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, reports that the firm’s volume of design projects has hit an all-time high, pushing revenues for this year up more than 15 percent over last year. Jed Downs, president of Cuhaci & Peterson, said the firm’s staff has grown to meet the demand of a nationwide client base that includes Publix, Winn Dixie, The Fresh Market, Wawa, Walmart and Darden. Cuhaci & Peterson currently employs 150 architects, engineers, planners and support staff in Orlando and Philadelphia. “Last summer we employed 120 people,” Downs said. “We have grown our staff by more than 16 percent and we are actively seeking qualified professionals now,” he said. 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.

M/I Homes plans January opening for Hickory Hammock on Johns Lake in Winter Garden with lakefront, 100-foot homes sites

ORLANDO, Fla. --- M/I Homes plans to open for presales a first phase in January at Hickory Hammock, the gated community of one and two-story single-family homes located on Johns Lake in Winter Garden off Stoneybrook West Parkway. David Byrnes, area president of M/I Homes in Central Florida, said 491 new three-, four- and five-bedroom homes are planned at Hickory Hammock. The first phase will consist of 80-foot, 90-foot and 100-foot home sites priced from the mid $300s up to $800,000. Byrnes said the first phase will include six lakefront home sites. Ultimately, 80 lakefront home sites are planned at Hickory Hammock. M/I Homes will open one new model home at Hickory Hammock in February, Byrnes added. The two-story Grandview model home at Hickory Hammock offers five bedrooms and four baths in 4,770 square feet of living space with a game room. The Grandview model home is priced from $521,990 with a three-car garage. Hickory Hammock will feature a community clubhouse with a swimming pool and children’s playground, Byrnes said.

Royal Oak Homes adding additional model home at Avalon Reserve in Winter Garden, priced from High $200s

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes is adding a new show home to its model center at Avalon Reserve community with 66 oversized homesites located off Avalon and Marsh Roads in Winter Garden. Matt Orosz, co-president at Royal Oak Homes, said the new model will be a Hawthorne plan that features four to six bedrooms, three-and-a-half to five baths in 3,541 square feet of living area priced from the low 300s. ‘ “The Hawthorne is one of our best sellers and will be a nice complement to the existing Parker floor plan which has over 4,700 square feet,” Orosz said. Royal Oak Homes is offering four and five bedroom homes at Avalon Reserve that range from 2,500 square feet of living space to 4,700 square feet with prices ranging from the $260s to the mid-$300s. 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.

Emerson International Negotiates Three Office Lease Agreements in Orlando, Maitland, Winter Park

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated three office lease agreements in Orlando, Winter Park and Maitland that total over 6,600 square feet of space. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing, negotiated one lease agreement representing Emerson, the landlord at Major Plaza II, 5750 Major Center Blvd. in southwest Orlando near International Drive. The new tenant, Abreu Tours, leased 2,858 square feet of space. Koch represented the landlord at 2600 Maitland Center Parkway in a lease expansion agreement for a total of 3,190 square feet. CREI Advisors is the tenant. Zac Starkey, Commercial Associate at Emerson International, negotiated a new long-term lease for 560 square feet of office space in Emerson’s Louisiana Office Park, 1177 Louisiana Ave. in Winter Park. The new tenant is Attaining Balance, Ltd.

Dicapta CEO Maria Diaz is one of 30 finalists in running for John C. Maxwell Leadership Award

Winter Springs, Fla., --- Maria Diaz, chief executive officer of Dicapta, the company that provides video and film closed captioning, subtitling and dubbing for people with sensory limitations , is one of 30 finalists in the running to win a John C. Maxwell Leadership Award, to be presented Feb. 21 at the Orlando Marriott World Center. The John C. Maxwell Leadership Awards recognize and honor individuals and organizations whose achievements, contributions and qualifications have made them outstanding in their profession. The Awards will be presented for specific accomplishments that are truly extraordinary, widely recognized as such, and of a positive and lasting quality. Diaz, co-founder of Dicapta, is a researcher and developer of video description in Spanish who has served as Director of accessibility projects for the U.S. Department of Education since 2005. Founded 12 years ago, Dicapta has focused on providing people with hearing or visual disabilities an opportunity to have equal access to information. The company’s services include caption insertion (electronic closed subtitles), video description, subtitling and dubbing, live dubbing and CART (putting words into text in real time). Dicapta is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at 1511 E. S.R. 434 in Winter Springs.

New Tenant to bring Tempting Aroma to Aloma Business Center

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Aloma Business Center recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 1,875 square feet of industrial space and developer Winston Schwartz said he can’t wait for the new tenant to move in. All From Scratch, LLC is an established specialty bakery based in Oviedo. Aloma Business Center is located on Aloma Ave. near the Greeneway (SR 417).