NAI Realvest Negotiates New/Renewal Leases at Goldenrod CommerCenter in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease for 2,206 square feet of industrial space at Goldenrod CommerCenter, 1468 N. Goldenrod Rd. in east Orlando. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest and associate Kristen Kemp brokered the transaction representing the landlord, Goldenrod SPE, LLC. El Palo Fuerte LLC, an indoor baseball training firm, leased suite 210 with 2,206 square feet Heidrich also brokered a renewal lease agreement for the same landlord. Mobile Oval Auto Repair LLC renewed their lease of Suite 325 with 2,191 square feet at 1476 N. Goldenrod Rd. in Goldenrod CommerCenter.

Hold-Thyssen Reports New Leases That Total 60,000 Square Feet in Colony Crossing Retail Center Turnaround

TAMPA, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services in Tampa recently leased 60,000 square feet of space at the Colony Crossing Shopping Center located on W. Hillsborough Ave. at the intersection of Elliott Drive in Tampa adjacent to the Walmart Neighborhood Center. Richard Fisher, vice president of investor services at Hold-Thyssen’s Tampa office, negotiated all three lease agreements, which include 15,000 square feet leased to The Round Up, a Country and Western entertainment center; 3,000 square feet to Greenberg Dental and 42,000 square feet to PK’s Play Zone and Grille, a family entertainment center which is scheduled to open by the end of year. The new leases boost the former Publix shopping center’s occupancy from 17 to 68 percent and have generated strong interest in the property from other Tenants that want to be part of the new project, Fisher said. Fisher and Hold-Thyssen reported earlier they leased 3,466 square feet at Colony Crossing to Dosa Hut an Indian vegetarian restaurant whose recent grand opening was attended by over 2300 patrons.

Park Square Homes to open new phase of luxury resort homes at Bellavida Resort in Kissimmee

Kissimmee, Fla. --- Park Square Homes will open a new phase of luxury resort homes this fall at Bellavida Resort, located on Marcello Blvd. between Poinciana Blvd. and U.S. 192 south of Oren Brown Rd. in Kissimmee. Jeff Menzel, director of sales and marketing for Park Square Homes, said the homebuilder plans to start off with 93 resort homes in the newest phase at Bellavida Resort offering Park Square’s Pacific Series of homes designed with Mediterranean features. Three distinctive floor plans are available to choose from in the unique Pacific Series along with wide range of options. Resort homes in the new phase will range in size from 1,835 square feet of living space to 3,378 square feet with from four to six bedrooms and three to six baths. New resort homes at Bellavida Resort are priced from the $300s. Menzel said sales of resort homes at Bellavida Resort have been steady all summer but will increase dramatically in the fall. Bellavida Resort features a gated entrance, luxury clubhouse, exterior painting and roof maintenance, common area and landscape maintenance, fitness center, resort pool and spa, basketball and volleyball courts and basic cable.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appoints Paula Cox International Luxury Home Specialist

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Paula Cox an International Luxury Home Specialist in the firm’s Heathrow/Lake Mary Marketing Center. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of the Lake Mary based realty firm, said Cox earned her Florida Real Estate License in 1978 and has more than 30 years of experience in residential real estate. She earned her Florida Real Estate Broker’s License in 1980. “Paula Cox has a wealth of experience in luxury golf course and country club communities throughout Central Florida,” Soderstrom said. “She has been an award-winning sales associate at some of the area’s most dynamic communities.” Cox was formerly a top producer at Sabal Point, Tuscawilla and Brentwood Club and for a couple of years she was owner/operator of her own brokerage representing Turtle Creek and other southwest Orlando area custom home communities At Tavistock Realty at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club Cox spent 11 years working with professional golfers and other high-profile buyers and sellers. Most recently she was an agent with Fusilier Realty. At Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Cox will focus on the Lake Nona and Seminole County areas.

NAI Realvest negotiates a New and Three Renewal Leases totaling more than 14,000 Square Feet at Hanging Moss CommerCenter in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease and three lease renewal agreements for industrial space totaling 14,075 square feet at Hanging Moss CommerCenter in Orlando. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest and associate Kristen Kemp represented landlord Hanging Moss SPE, LLC and brokered a lease transaction with Molimedic, Inc. who sells new, used and refurbished medical and lab equipment. The new tenant leased Suite 510 with 2,000 square feet at 6100 Hanging Moss Rd. Heidrich negotiated three lease renewals at Hanging Moss CommerCenter with longtime tenants Food Factory, Inc. occupying 6,200 square feet and Joseph M. Hooper 1,875 square feet at 6148 Hanging Moss Rd, and with Henry Auad and Fabian Pinilla at 6112 Hanging Moss Rd. occupying 4,000 square feet.

Local Health Food Company Partners with Faith-Based KeHE Distributors

DeLand, Fla. – DeLand Bakery & Natural Market a certified organic and gluten free bakery has announced a business partnership with KeHE Distributors, a faith-based supply chain partner located in Naperville, Ill. KeHE, the largest privately owned wholesale distributor of health and natural food products in the natural products industry, has relationships with numerous health food stores around the nation. Last month, they acquired Nature’s Best, a California-based distributor of health and natural food products. Its partnership with DeLand Bakery & Natural Market is intended to help the 25-year-old DeLand company expand and receive national recognition, according to Connie Bernal√, site manager of the UCF Business Incubator in Daytona Beach. “Hopefully, this new enterprise will increase our incubator client’s sales across the country,” she said. When the DeLand Bakery joined the incubator program in 2012 there were 49 employees, Bernal said. Now they employ 62 people and the plan is to continue hiring as the sales grow. Located at 933 N. Woodland Blvd., the company is the healthy place to go for everything from organic, ethnic, kosher and gluten-free food to natural beauty and household products and cleaners to healthful pet foods and supplies. The 42,000 square foot superstore also features an on-site deli and, of course, an aromatic bakery. DeLand Bakery & Natural Market is a client of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program at Daytona Beach International Airport. For details, visit www.delandnaturalmarket.com or call 386-736-7919.

Cuhaci & Peterson Completes Design of The Fresh Market in Livingston, N.J.

Bluebell, Pa. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners recently completed the design of a new Fresh Market store at 277 Eisenhower Parkway in Livingston, N.J. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the 23,000 square foot Fresh Market store is in The Village at Livingston shopping center at the intersection of Route 10 and Eisenhower Parkway. Construction is now underway at the facility and should be completed for opening this fall. Cuhaci & Peterson, headquartered in Orlando with offices in the Philadelphia area, has designed 24 Fresh Market stores throughout the U.S. in less than four years. One of the nation’s leading designers of retail space, Cuhaci & Peterson handles projects that total more than two million square feet of retail space annually.

Pulte Homes to Grand Open New Single-Family Homes in Country Walk Sept. 27

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. --- Pulte Homes plans to grand open its newest single-family homes community, Country Walk, located off Meadow Pointe Blvd. south of S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, Saturday, Sept. 27. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales and operations for the north Florida region, said Pulte plans to build 32 new three and four bedroom homes at Country Walk that will range in size from 1,827 square feet of living space to 2,443 square feet, priced starting from $219,990 with two-car garages. Strickler said three Life Tested® home designs are available at Country Walk with features that include flex rooms, lofts, game rooms and optional drop zones at the owner’s entry and lanais. Country Walk is within an A-rated school system including Wiregrass High School and Dr. John Long Middle School. The community features a 5,000 square foot community clubhouse, two swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor covered children’s playground and fitness center. Country Walk is minutes from the Shops at Wiregrass and boasts easy access to I-75 and I-275. For more information, email Vincent.kuntz@pulte.com or call 866- 230-3599.

STONEGATE GOLF CLUB HOSTS DOGGIE FASHION SHOW

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita recently held its first Doggie Fashion Show at the Marketplace Bistro for the Solivita Community. The fashion show consisted of adorable contestants who arrived dressed to impress! Arto Rahmani, general manager for Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita said fashion ensembles ranged from tutu’s to sun shades and fashionable hair pieces. Festive music played such as “who let the dogs out” and “single ladies” for the occasion while the cute pooches showed off their looks and talents. First, Second, Third and fourth prizes were given away. Molly a Brussel griffon breed came in first and won a $40 gift certificate donated by Furry Tails pet & grooming located in Poinciana. Molly impressed the judges by her appearance, which consisted of a pink tutu, hair piece and shades. She also showed off her talent in driving her little pink car. Lucky, a beagle known as a “fashion diva,” came in second and won a ceramic pet bowl set for her posture and discipline. Penny, a King Charles spaniel came in third and won a pet ceramic bowl for her unique sassy pink bow look and Rocky, a golden retriever mix, came in fourth place and won a dog leash for his obedience. “This is our way of letting the Solivita community know that we appreciate every single one of them including their furry best friends!” Rahmani said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sublease of 2,995 Square Foot Office at The Citadel in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a sublease agreement for 2,995 rentable square feet in Suite 350 at The Citadel III, 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in east Orlando. Mary Frances West, CCIM senior broker-associate at NAI Realvest brokered the transaction representing the sublandlord Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc. and the subtenant is Pentaho Corporation, an existing tenant in the Citadel III building. NAI Realvest is exclusive management and leasing representative for The Citadel III.

Stoneybrook Golf Club First in Area to Kick Off "Foot Golf" Hybrid Game that Blends Golf and Soccer

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – Stoneybrook West Golf in Winter Garden will be on of the first golf courses in Florida to add a new attraction: Foot Golf, a hybrid sport that blends the rules and equipment of soccer and golf. Kenny Nairn, the Scottish PGA professional and co-owner of Celebration Golf Management, which owns and operates Stoneybrook West Golf Club, said Foot Golf was invented to broaden the appeal of golf courses and golf play. “Foot Golf adapts most of the strategic rules of golf with a regulation soccer ball, and the foot instead of a bag of clubs,” Nairn explained. The sport appeals to younger players and some older as well,” Nairn said. “For beginners who worry their golfing skills might not be up to the task on a golf course, Foot Golf offers a way to learn some of the psychology of golf and the pleasures of a good golf course without the investment in equipment and lessons,” Nairn explained. Rules are simple enough. Team play is encouraged and the game offers many benefits including healthy exercise, competitive play and camaraderie--- on the course and in the clubhouse afterwards. “Foot Golf is a great way to work up a sweat and a good excuse to visit the bar afterwards,” Nairn laughed. Nairn, who serves as chief operating officer at Celebration Golf Management, said other Celebration courses will offer Foot Golf and tournaments may be in the offing as well. “Legends Golf and Country Club in Clermont will offer Foot Golf starting in October,” Nairn said. Celebration Golf Management operates nine premier golf clubs in Central Florida.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Lake Nona/Medical City Marketing Center opening soon with a Professional Team to Complement Area’s Growth

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Three seasoned professionals have formed a team for the launch and growth of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s new Lake Nona/Medical City Real Estate Marketing Center opening on Narcoossee Rd. this fall. Team founder, Laurie Branch-Connor has had a longstanding career in all aspects of real estate including residential re-sales, new homes, international sales, investors, and property management. Melissa Ziarko, Laurie’s sister, received her real estate license two years ago and has dealt with many real estate transactions involving foreign investors and has also been involved in property management. Ziarko is very knowledgeable about market trends and closing deals. Tiffany Licata, the newest member of the team, brings a background in hospitality/restaurant management. Since starting her real estate career, Licata has been leasing and listing properties and pursuing investors interested in the area surrounding Southeast Orlando’s robust Medical City. “The Branch-Conner, Licata and Ziarko Team offers a triangular solution to the real estate needs of customers and clients seeking to locate in this rapidly expanding, upper tier job-growth area,” said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty. “They are outstanding professionals and committed to new and established communities in the Lake Nona Medical City / Saint Cloud region, he said. Among communities Branch-Conner, Licata and Ziarko will be servicing are Harmony, St. Cloud and Kissimmee.

Cuhaci & Peterson Completes Design of The Fresh Market on Sunrise Blvd in Plantation

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners recently completed the design of a new Fresh Market store at 12171 W. Sunrise Blvd. in Plantation, Fla. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the project includes the renovation of a former book store totaling 24,856 square feet. Construction is now underway at the stand alone building located near West Broward County’s popular Sawgrass Mills shopping mall. Cuhaci & Peterson, headquartered in Orlando, has designed 24 Fresh Market stores throughout the U.S. in less than four years. One of the nation’s leading designers of retail space, the firm handles projects that total more than two million square feet of retail space annually.

CELEBRATION GOLF MANAGEMENT COMMITTED TO STAFF’S CERTIFICATION IN FOOD SAFETY

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Celebration Golf Management recently held a successful Serve Safe certification session at Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee to comply with Florida law for foodservice employees and to ensure the continued success of all of its golf club restaurant operations. Arto Rahmani, vice president of food & beverage operations for Celebration Golf Management, said 33 restaurant employees from the golf clubs it owns or manages across central Florida attended the classes held by Chef Carlino of Cheney Brothers, Inc. an established Florida firm providing a wide range of services to restaurants. When the certification course ended, the CGM restaurant employees were well trained in preventing food borne illnesses, protecting consumer health, improving performance and preserving the reputation of the businesses. “We will continue to strive to make the Serve Safe classes a regular occurrence to ensure that every restaurant employee at Celebration Golf Management’s clubs are Serve Safe certified,” Rahmani said.

FLAME BOSS OF ORLANDO DEBUTS NEW PRODUCT AT ACE HARDWARE'S FALL CONVENTION

Orlando, Fla. – Flame Boss™ recently introduced its new Flame Boss 100, a smoker controller for Kamodo style and traditional BBQ Smokers at the ACE Hardware Fall Dealer Convention. Michael Collins, President, said Flame Boss 100 comes with a pivoting stand allowing the controller to be set to the best viewing angle for any outdoor cooking set. Collins explained that the Flame Boss model 100 allows you to, “Plug it in and forget it,” and you will find mouth watering, delicious meat and fish, “without the hassle of babysitting your smoker all day or night.” Flame Boss 100 includes a pit temperature probe, meat temperature probe, power adapter, and blower as a complete kit with nothing else to buy. Flame Boss™ 100 will be available for $289 starting Oct. 1 www.FlameBoss.com and authorized Flame Boss dealers. Flame Boss, manufactures smart devices and items for the Internet of Things (IoT). The company’s first product is a temperature controller for charcoal grills and smokers. The product line will include a Wi-Fi version. The company plans to produce other products for IoT. Flame Boss™ is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubator in Apopka.

Smaller, Smarter Coach Homes at Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek Offer Supersized Appeal with Pocketbook Pricing---and Zero Maintenance

NAPLES, Fla. --- Looking for luxury on a budget? Lennar’s Mediterranean-styled Coach Homes at Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek on Aviamar Circle off Collier Blvd. and Fiddler’s Creek Parkway in Naples offer remarkable styling, posh features and loads of space at remarkably low prices. David Meyers, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said Lennar designers packed loads of luxury in its smartly-designed Coach Homes to create an economical package that’s hard to beat in the Naples region. Meyers said two floor plans are available, each with a wide range of options. The single-story Florence model, with 1,741 square feet of living space in three bedrooms and two baths, is priced from $284,990 with a two-car garage. The open floor plan boasts a huge gourmet kitchen that serves a family room, dining room, kitchen nook and covered patio that total more than 700 square feet of entertainment space. The two-story Verona model offers three bedrooms and two baths in 2,110 square feet with a three-car garage. Meyers said Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge is one of the biggest selling points at Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek. “We really mean everything's included in our “Everything's Included” pledge, and home buyers in Naples really appreciate that,” Meyers said. The Everything’s Included offer means crown molding in the living areas, granite counter tops, wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, designer light fixtures, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances and many additional features are all included in the one Lennar Homes price Fiddler's Creek also has a wealth of amenities like a 54,000-square-foot Club & Spa, fitness center, resort-style multi-pool swimming complex, tennis courts and restaurants. Homeowners have the opportunity to join the Golf Club, ranked in Golfweek's 100 Best Residential Golf Courses in the country for the ninth consecutive year, and the Tarpon Club, which offers residents a beach and boating lifestyle. Visit Lennar.com/SWFLsave

NAI Realvest lands two new tenants – both planning a November opening – at Church Street Exchange Building in downtown Orlando

Orlando, Fla. -- The NAI Realvest retail team of Kevin O’Connor, Matt Cichocki and Mitch Heidrich recently negotiated two new leases adding to the line up in the Church Street Exchange Building at 101 S. Garland Ave. in downtown Orlando. NAI Realvest represented the landlord Boston-based Tremont Realty Capital in both lease agreements for retail space totaling 4,547 square feet. Heidrich said Trend Studios Orlando will occupy 2,763 square feet in the end cap space at the corner of Pine Street and Gertrudes Walk. The full service salon will include tanning, nail treatments and teeth whitening. The NAI Realvest retail team also leased 1,784 square feet in the street level space fronting on Pine Street in the Church Street Exchange Building to Extract Juice & Tapas Bar. It will be the second Central Florida location for the casual dining restaurant.

Meritage Homes Opens The Enclave at Windermere Landing with Luxury Homes Priced From the Mid-$300s

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has opened its newest community – The Enclave at Windermere Landing -- in Windermere with luxury homes priced from $368,990. Brian Kittle, vice president of operations said Meritage Homes in Orlando, said 100 new homes are planned at The Enclave at Windermere Landing, located off Chase Road in Windermere. New homes at The Enclave at Windermere Landing will range in size from 2,059 square feet of living space to 5,586 square feet with four, five and six bedrooms, Kittle said. Ten distinctive one and two-story floor plans are available with barrel-tile roofing, stone fronts and front and side-loading two-car garages, Kittle said.

LENNAR’S CENTRAL FLORIDA DIVISION NAMES HOMEBUILDING VETERAN DIRECTOR OF PURCHASING

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division has named Greg Ray director of purchasing in the Orlando region, including Clermont and the Space Coast. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Ray has 20 years of experience in the homebuilding industry. He holds a bachelors degree in construction management from Brigham Young University and has previously held various purchasing positions with high-volume national homebuilders. In his new role as director of purchasing for Lennar, he will work closely with the construction team and business partners, and will oversee all sourcing of labor and materials, Metheny said.

RSS Logistics in Orlando Earns Prime Contract to Deliver Automated Test Equipment for Army Apache Helicopters

ORLANDO, Fla. --- RSS Logistics in Orlando recently earned a prime contract to deliver a key component of a new night sensor being developed for the U.S. Army’s Apache helicopters. Jeanette Coronado, managing member of RSS Logistics, said Lockheed Martin awarded the prime contract. RSS Logistics will manufacture Calibration Test Adapters for the Apache program. The devices allow specialists to calibrate and validate test stations in less than 45 minutes. Currently, those tasks require five hours of manual effort on the part of two specialists, Coronado explained. RSS Logistics, a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Orlando, provides technology companies with design, integration, testing, training, and integrated logistics support management to improve human performance and system availability and reduce the Life-Cycle costs of technology equipment. RSS Logistics is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubator at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

Emerson International negotiates Five Leases totaling 4,350 square feet at its office developments in Orlando, Longwood, Altamonte, Winter Park

Altamonte Springs, Fla. -- Emerson International recently negotiated five lease agreements that total 4,357 square feet of office space in Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Southwest Orlando and Winter Park. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing for Emerson International, recently negotiated two new leases at Major Plaza I, 5728 Major Blvd. in southwest Orlando. Cataldo American Group, LLC leased 1,363 square feet and Unique Resources, Inc. leased 971 square feet. At the same time, Emerson International leasing associate Zac Starkey negotiated two leases in the Altamonte Spring /Longwood market. At Emerson’s CenterPointe Office Park on CenterPointe Circle off E. Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs, Ross Rightmyer leased 868 square feet. Aaronson, Austin, P.A. leased 715 square feet at Sanlando Center II located on West S.R. 434 in Longwood. Starkey also negotiated the lease of 440 square feet with tenant The Vida Center at Emerson International’s Louisiana Office Park on Louisiana Ave. in Winter Park. Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies in the U.K.

NAI Realvest negotiates two investment sales totaling more than $1.3 Million

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two sales – an office building in Maitland and an industrial building in Sanford – that totaled $1,302,000.00 Associate Chris Adams negotiated a $725,000 sale of the 9,464 square foot office building at 1063 Maitland Center Commons. Adams represented the seller Tiger Investment Group of Ft. Lauderdale. Tampa-based J.D. Gambling, LLC was the buyer. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest and associate Kristen Kemp negotiated the $577,000 sale of a 10,000 square foot light industrial building at 2788 S. Financial Ct. in Sanford. Heidrich and Kemp represented the seller, Wes-Cosa Florida, Inc. The buyer was Miller Real Estate Holdings, LLC of Winter Springs.

Hold-Thyssen Negotiates Six New Leases for Almost 20,000 Square Feet at Park at Bay Plaza Office Center – within 30 days of negotiating sale of the 157,000 SF facility

TAMPA, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen Inc., negotiated six new long-term lease agreements for 19,234 square feet in the Park at Bay Plaza office center less than 30 days after the real estate services firm negotiated a $5.7 Million sale of the center at 9350 Bay Plaza Blvd. in Tampa off E. Adamo Drive at U.S. 301. R. Anthony Fisher, vice president of Hold-Thyssen, Inc. in Tampa, said Leasing Associate Timothy Sanford negotiated all six transactions representing the landlord Tampa Adamo LLC. The new tenants include Tampa Workforce Alliance, Inc. with 8,256 square feet; David Mobley Capital Insurance with 2,097 square feet; MCM Worship Center, with 4,900 square feet; M.T. Bay, Inc., developers of the Little Greek Restaurant franchise, with 1,975 square feet; Lifetouch National School Studios, with 1,338 square feet; and Glory Ministries International, with 668 square feet. Hold-Thyssen has managed the 157,310 square foot Park at Bay Plaza for the past two years and will continue in that role. In addition, the new owner assigned leasing of the property to Hold-Thyssen when the sale of the property was completed earlier this summer, and that decision is paying early dividends. The Park at Bay Plaza office center, which was constructed in two phases in 1979 and 1984, is currently 61.8 percent leased. Headquartered in Winter Park, Fla., Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

M/I Homes names two new sales consultants

LAKE MARY, Fla. – M/I Homes has named two new sales consultants. David Byrnes, area president of M/I Homes in the Orlando region, said the new consultants are Trish Wiltshire and Rob West. West was previously with Keller Williams Realty Florida Partners and has been a real estate agent since 2003. Wiltshire who majored in English at University of Kentucky comes to M/I Homes with 15 plus years of experience in sales management, training and curriculum development. She was most recently seven years in a marketing director role at Jenny Craig and a national sales training position with Centex Homes.

Meritage Homes to Host Casino Night for Orlando Area Realtors on Wednesday, Sept. 17

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes will host a gala Casino Night for Orlando area Realtors on Wednesday, Sept. 17 starting at 6 p.m. at The MEZZ located at 100 S. Eola Drive in downtown Orlando. Brian Kittle, division vice president of Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said all Orlando area realtors and brokers are invited. Games will include roulette, poker and blackjack among others, Kittle said. Meritage Homes builds single-family homes priced from the $200s to the $600s in 22 Orlando area communities.

Top Lake County Luxury Broker Joins Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently announced that leading Lake County Broker Janice Clary has teamed up with the firm’s Heathrow Real Estate Sales Gallery on International Parkway in Lake Mary as an International Luxury Homes Specialist. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Clary has 24 years of experience and specializes in representing Lake County waterfront and unique properties. Clary’s career has been focused on the marketing of premier luxury property, waterfront property, equestrian property, country estates, distinctive bed and breakfast inns and similar luxury and upper-tier properties in the Lake, Seminole and Orange County areas, he said. Soderstrom said Clary has been a member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing’s Million Dollar Guild since 2008 and is ranked as one of the top agents in the state of Florida. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Lake County and Orange County Associations of Realtors.

ONLY THREE MOVE-IN READY EXECUTIVE HOMES REMAIN FOR SALE AT MILLBROOK AT FIDDLER'S CREEK IN NAPLES

NAPLES, Fla. --- Only three executive homes remain for sale at Lennar’s Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek, located on Aviamar Circle off Collier Blvd. and Fiddler’s Creek Parkway in Naples. David Meyers, director of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in southwest Florida, said sales of new homes at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek have been steady all summer and he expects sales to surge in the fall. Meyers said one ready-to-move-in home at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek ranks as one of Lennar’s most popular floor plans. The Sophia offers 2,032 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two baths and a den that can also serve as a fourth bedroom. The Sophia’s open floor plan features an island kitchen that serves the family room, dining room and a huge lanai with an optional outdoor kitchen. With a two-car garage, the new home is priced at $474,065. All new homes in Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek offer Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: upgraded features, appointments, appliances and finishes all included in the one “Everything’s Included” price. Located 15 minutes from downtown Naples, the community is convenient to some of the finest shopping, dining and beaches in the area and 15 minutes from the acclaimed Marco Island. Fiddler's Creek also has a wealth of amenities like a 54,000-square-foot Club & Spa, fitness center, resort-style multi-pool swimming complex, tennis courts and restaurants. Homeowners have the opportunity to join the Golf Club, ranked in Golfweek's 100 Best Residential Golf Courses in the country for the ninth consecutive year, and the Tarpon Club, which offers residents a beach and boating lifestyle.

Lennar Promotes Carlette Witte to Vice President of Construction in Orlando Region

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds homes in more than 40 communities in the Orlando region, recently promoted veteran construction management executive Carlette Witte to vice president of construction. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Witte has been with Lennar for more than 10 years and has experience in various aspects of construction project management. Witte was most recently a senior construction manager at Lennar. In her new role Witte will be responsible for all construction operations of single-family homes, vacation homes, vistas and coach homes at ChampionsGate; condos, townhomes, and single family homes at Storey Lake; and vacation homes at Paradise Palms. . “Carlette has shown great leadership, production and strength throughout the years with Lennar and she will play a vital role in our continued growth in the Orlando and specifically the Clermont and Four Corners areas,” said Metheny.

Meritage Homes Opens Watermark Community in Winter Garden with Luxury Homes Priced from the Low $200s

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has opened its newest community – Watermark -- in Winter Garden with luxury homes priced from the low $200s. Located on Seidel Road in Winter Garden, Watermark offers three, four, five and six-bedroom homes that range in size from 1,758 square feet of living space to a whopping 5,563 square feet. Brian Kittle, vice president of operations for Meritage Homes in Orlando, said 11 distinctive two-story floor plans are available with one single-story plan. Striking architectural styles in the neighborhood range from neotraditional to California Modern. Meritage will build 54 new homes in the first phase at Watermark, Kittle said.

Partyka Group at NAI Realvest negotiates $480,000 Sale of retail building on Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala

OCALA, Fla. – Paul P. Partyka and Juan Jimenez – the Partyka Group at NAI Realvest – recently negotiated the $480,000 sale price for the retail facility at 4011 E. Silver Springs Blvd. at NE 40th Ave. in Ocala. Partyka and Jimenez negotiated the transaction representing the seller, Titusville-based SBI Leasing, Inc. FIPA LLC is the local investor who purchased the 4,320 square foot freestanding building constructed in 1977 on its 1.04-acre site. Tim Mizner of Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty represented the buyer who plans to redevelop the property into a professional/medical office building.

NAI REALVEST NEGOTIATES SALE OF BANK OWNED BUILDING IN DAYTONA BEACH

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 3,840 square foot bank-owned building at 120 Madison Ave. in Daytona Beach. Chris Butera, investment associate at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction representing the seller, TD Bank of Port St. Lucie and the buyer. Kissimmee-based Orbit Real Estate Development purchased the four-unit REO retail building built in 1957 off Beach St. and U.S. 1 for $85,000.00.

Meritage Homes starts development of Twinwaters in Winter Garden

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has started development of its newest community of Twinwaters, located off Marsh Rd. and Johns Lake in Winter Garden. Brian Kittle, division vice president of Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said there are 140 home sites at Twinwaters for homes that will range from 2,700 square feet of living area to 5,400 square feet. New Meritage homes at Twinwaters will be priced from the low $300s, Kittle said. Construction of two models will get underway before the end of the year.

Lennar Sets Sites on Growing Families at South Fork with Larger Home Sites, Three-Car Garages

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar is offering larger home sites and new homes with three-car garages to appeal to growing families at South Fork, located on Ambleside Boulevard off Big Bend Road east of U.S. 301 in the robust SouthShore area of Tampa Bay. Francine Miller, director of sales operations for Lennar's Central Florida Division, said three, four, five, six and seven-bedroom single-family homes at South Fork are available in 10 distinctive designs that range in size from 2,277 square feet of living space to 4,259 square feet. Altogether Lennar plans to build 92 new homes at South Fork, Miller said. Every Lennar home built at South Fork comes with the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: upgraded finishes, superior appliances, enhanced energy-efficient construction materials, and many other unique features all included in the one Lennar Homes price. Among the amenities at South Fork are community pools, recreation areas, tennis courts and playgrounds. Schools are in walking distance and major arterial highways are easily accessible. "The South Shore area is one of the fastest growing in Tampa Bay and has recently been in the spotlight with arrival of companies like Amazon and the announcement of the St. Joseph's hospital organization choosing the area for their new centers. The growth will continue to evolve as more families and companies continue to move to this coveted location," said Miller.

Pulte Homes Hosting Charity Golf Tournament Sept. 29 at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club to Benefit Ronald McDonald House® at Nemours Children’s Hospital

Orlando, Fla. --- Pulte Homes is hosting the Build To Make Lives Better Charity Golf Tournament at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club on Monday, Sept. 29 to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida. North Florida Pulte Homes Vice President of Sales and Operations, Sean Strickler, says proceeds from the tournament will help fund the first phase of a new Ronald McDonald House in the booming medical community of Lake Nona. The Ronald McDonald House at Nemours Children’s Hospital will provide a comforting temporary residence for families of children receiving lifesaving treatment nearby. The house will be conveniently located near the entrance of Nemours Children’s Hospital, which is expected to start construction in the fall. Strickler says the Build To Make Lives Better Golf Tournament at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club is expected to raise as much as $50,000 toward the project. The entire project will cost an estimated $5.7 million to complete, and will identify Orlando as the sixth U.S. city to offer three or more Ronald McDonald House facilities. The first phase of the Ronald McDonald House will include 15 bedrooms with private baths, state-of-the-art kitchens, a dining room, living room, laundry facilities, and children’s playroom. A reception and lobby area will also be included along with community meeting rooms, says Strickler. Land for the Ronald McDonald House at Nemours Children’s Hospital was donated by Nemours. “All of us at Pulte Homes are proud and excited to be part of this project,” Strickler said. “The enormous effort on the part of generous donors and contributors to this project is moving, and the role our entire community plays in developing this facility makes Central Florida a very special place,” Strickler said. “I cannot think of anything more worthwhile than creating a space that will allow parents to be close to their children to help them heal,” he added. At Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, players in the Build To Make Lives Better Golf Tournament will be experiencing the newly renovated Tom Fazio-designed golf course, which is slated to open earlier in the month. Players will also enjoy gift bags courtesy of multiple donors, a lavish breakfast and lunch, along with light refreshments and snacks throughout the day. If you are interested in donating or purchasing a sponsorship package in the tournament, please contact PulteNorthFloridaEvent@pultegroup.com for information. Registration is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Head of Covian Consulting Appointed to National Alliance for Hispanic Families Solution Task Force

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The CEO of Covian Consulting, the Orlando-based management and consulting firm, has been appointed to the National Alliance for Hispanic Families Solution Task Force. Maritza Concha, Ph.D said her appointment offers her a new challenge to support and promote best government, agency and corporate practices that focus on the Latino community. “The Solution Task Force is a multi-faceted initiative to support and promote promising practices,” Dr. Concha explained. “With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and other partners, the Solutions Task Force aims to identify and address challenges and opportunities that impact the ability of community-based organizations to implement proven community-based programs that are culturally responsive in Hispanic communities,” she said. Dr. Concha will attend the formative meeting of the Solutions Task Force in Washington, D.C. in October. Covian Consulting is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program located at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

Ryland Homes Reports Sales of 49 Home Sites at Tupelo Forest near Mount Pleasant, Second Phase to Open in 60 Days

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Ryland Homes has sold 49 new homes in the first phase at Tupelo Forest, located on Hanoverian Drive off Hwy. 17 north of Wando High School in Mount Pleasant. Gayle Jinks, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston and Myrtle Beach region, said a second phase with 55 home sites will open before the end of September. Tupelo Forest opened its first phase in July, 2013. New single-family homes priced from $262,000 are available in seven distinctive floor plans, each with six different elevations. All plans have a two-car attached garage and a minimum of three bedrooms and two full baths. Ryland has two quick move-in homes with two different elevations in its popular Litchfield II plan currently available at Tupelo Forest. These four bedroom single-story homes with three full bathrooms are priced from $364,000. Jinks said Ryland plans to open a community swimming pool and a covered pavilion with rest rooms, changing areas, a fire pit, a grill and a play park before the end of this year. Leisure trails wind through the forested areas of the community. Currently two furnished and decorated Ryland Homes models are open seven days a week at Tupelo Forest from 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Eventually, Tupelo Forest will have over 160 new homes.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appointed Exclusive Marketing Agents for Historic Property in Downtown Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive marketing agents for the Grandview Bed and Breakfast, also known as the historic William Watt House Circa 1906 in downtown Mount Dora. “William Watt owned many acres of citrus and invented corrugated cardboard as a packaging medium for his oranges. The William Watt House has only been home to four owners in the past 108 years,” said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty. The property, which is listed for $795,000, includes a main house with three bedrooms and four baths, and a two-bedroom, two-bath Windmill Cottage featuring a 1930s windmill that extends 60 feet in the air, a novelty of this lovely cottage. The property also has a detached Carriage House which features a Garden Suite with one-bedroom and one-bath, and a 720 square foot apartment/owner’s suite with private entry above the two-car garage. The interior of the main house showcases the original French doors, Tudor style windows, two decorative fireplaces and beautiful built in bookcases, echoed by the original heart-pine flooring, a beauty only antique wood can offer. There is a formal living room, two dining rooms, three bedrooms, each with their own baths, a laundry room, office and a finely crafted kitchen which has been newly remodeled with historic cabinetry, marble and stainless counter tops and upgraded stainless steel appliances. The property is located just two blocks from the heart of historic downtown Mount Dora with its trendy attractions such as antique stores, art galleries, day spas, restaurants, City Park and marina. Situated on just under an acre with tropical landscaping, oversized saltwater pool, white vinyl fencing and multiple rocking chair porches, the stately residence presents an impressive setting for grand scale entertaining, Soderstrom said. Janice Clary, Central Florida lakefront marketing specialist at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, is representing the property and serves as principal contact.

Scott Schmidtberger Remembered at Memorial at Stoneybrook West Golf Club

Winter Garden, Fla. -- Former golf club general manager at The Legends, Scott Schmidtberger who died this past summer was remembered at a memorial that was held recently at Stoneybrook West. Kenny Nairn, chief operating officer and co-owner of Celebration Golf Management which owns and manages Legends Golf & Country Club, said scores of staff, co-workers, club members, friends and vendors paid homage to Schmidtberger who was 37 years of age and had been with Celebration Golf Management over five years in various supervisory levels for the organization. A sports fanatic with Nebraska football and the Kansas City Chiefs, Schmidtberger was a native of Olathe, Kansas and served in the U.S. Army as a Forward Intelligence Officer. “We all wanted to celebrate his life with his fellow workers, friends and family,” Nairn said. “The turnout for the memorial event was tremendous,” he said.

Park Square Homes to open Second Phase with 73 Vacation Homes at Veranda Palms Resort in Kissimmee

Kissimmee, Fla. -- Park Square Homes will open a new phase with 73 luxury vacation homes in the fall at Veranda Palms Resort, located at 2500 Dharma Circle off Princess Way in Kissimmee just east of U.S. 192. Jeff Menzel, director of sales and marketing for Park Square Homes, said four, five and six-bedroom resort homes will range in size from 2,361 square feet of living space to 3,298 square feet with two, three, four and four-and-a-half baths. Sales of resort homes at Veranda Palms Resort were strong all last year and Menzel said vacation home sales normally surge in the fall. Vacation home buyers are about evenly distributed between Florida residents and families from the northeast and Midwest states, along with affluent European, Asian and South American families. In 2015 Veranda Palms Resort will open an amenity center with recreational, social and sports activities for every lifestyle.

Park Square Homes to open Second Phase with 73 Vacation Homes at Veranda Palms Resort in Kissimmee

Kissimmee, Fla. -- Park Square Homes will open a new phase with 73 luxury vacation homes in the fall at Veranda Palms Resort, located at 2500 Dharma Circle off Princess Way in Kissimmee just east of U.S. 192. Jeff Menzel, director of sales and marketing for Park Square Homes, said four, five and six-bedroom resort homes will range in size from 2,361 square feet of living space to 3,298 square feet with two, three, four and four-and-a-half baths. Sales of resort homes at Veranda Palms Resort were strong all last year and Menzel said vacation home sales normally surge in the fall. Vacation home buyers are about evenly distributed between Florida residents and families from the northeast and Midwest states, along with affluent European, Asian and South American families. In 2015 Veranda Palms Resort will open an amenity center with recreational, social and sports activities for every lifestyle.

M/I Homes has land development underway at Red Tail Reserve, its newest community in Lake County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – M/I Homes has started land development at its newest community Red Tail Reserve located in Lake County off SR 46. David Byrnes, area president for M/I Homes in the Orlando region, said the homebuilder will have 69 home sites when new home construction starts in November. New three, four and five bedroom single-family homes ranging from approximately 2,400 square feet of living area to 5,200 square feet will be priced in the $300,000 to $600,000 range. Byrnes said construction will start in November on one model home with four bedrooms, three baths in 3,900 square feet of living area, base priced at $349,990. The furnished and decorated model will also feature an open concept design. Visit www.MIHomes.com

Lennar opens new phase at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch, Estate Homes priced from mid $400,000s, Manor Homes from upper $300s

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. --- Lennar Homes recently opened a new phase with 33 home sites at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch, the award-winning gated community located off Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Bradenton. David Meyers, Lennar’s director of sales and marketing in southwest Florida, said Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch has proved to be one of the home builder’s most popular luxury communities. “Sales of new homes at Bridgewater have been exceptional since we opened this community,” Meyers said. Lennar began selling new Estate and Manor homes at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch one year ago this month. Three, four and five-bedroom Estate Homes at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch range in size from 2,394 square feet of living space to 3,800 square feet in six distinctive one and two-story designs priced from $405,990. Four, five and six-bedroom Manor Homes in one and two-story designs range in size from 2,245 square feet to 3,828 square feet priced from $330,990 with three-car garages. Lennar’s unique NextGen® homes rank among the most popular Manor homes at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch and feature Lennar’s “home within a home” design for home owners with elderly live-in parents or adult children. “NextGen homes offer security and privacy for both families under one roof, with a full living suite for the second family that features its own private entrance and garage,” Meyers explained. All new 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 and this is such a special area that we don’t wonder why living here is so desirable,” Meyers said. “We are very proud of this community.”

IROC Tactical Logs First Sale of New AR-15 MD Firearms Accessory To Law Enforcement Agency---Oviedo Police Department

Winter Springs, Fla. --- IROC Tactical, the Winter Springs manufacturer of high tech firearms accessories, reported the first sale of its signature IROC 22LR Conversion Kits to a law enforcement agency. The Oviedo Police Department acquired one dozen IROC MD 22-LR Conversion Kits to help train officers in the safe use of the department’s AR-15 semi-automatic weapons. Sergie Albino, president and chief executive officer of IROC Tactical, said the IROC 22LR Conversion Kits was designed for serious shooters and professionals such as police and recreational shooters who like get more training, trigger time, on their AR-15 rifles without spending too much money on standard 223/5.56 ammunition. Instead, the IROC 22LR Conversion Kits allows the Oviedo Police Department to use 22LR ammo in their training. This not only has cost benefits but also long term health benefits. From an Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) perspective, using the IROC 22LR Conversion Kit exposes the officers in training to reduced hazardous noise exposure and concussive force effects that can lead to permanent hearing loss; see IROC Tactical’s article on “Concussive Force: the silent variable in hearing loss” in the June issue of Law Enforcement Technology magazine and Officer.com (http://let.epubxp.com/i/320907). IROC stands for Increases Reliability on CoMDat. Sales of the IROC Tactical products to recreational shooters have been strong and steady, Albino reported. “The professional market is a huge one for us and we are very pleased to have made our first sale with a reputable department in our community,” Albino said. IROC Tactical is currently preparing a presentation for the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, which could lead to significant law enforcement sales, Albino said. “We already have tests scheduled with several police departments and sheriff's offices in Georgia who are potential customers,” Albino said. IROC's fully adjustable, tool-free muzzle device, other flagship product, adapts to any AR-15 weapon platform. The device improves accuracy, reduces jamming and helps the shooter control the weapon---stay on target---under stressful operational conditions. “Short-barrel gas operated weapons under 10.5 inches have a fast cycle rate, which contributes to jamming and affects barrel climb,” said Rob McNeill, IROC’s chief operating officer and principal. “The IROC MD properly tunes the cycle rate, increases the blow-back gas pressure and allows the bolt to remain open longer. Rounds eject reliably and the bolt cycles more efficiently,” McNeill said. The IROC MD’s tool-free adjustability enables the shooter to fire ammunition of different loads with the same consistent feel in every trigger pull, according to McNeill. “The IROC MD is the premier muzzle brake for any rifle platform, from short-barreled rifles to long-range sniper platforms, providing shooters greater precision and a more enjoyable shooting experience,” McNeill said. While not technically a sound suppressor as defined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm (BATF), the IROC MD reduces the weapon’s visual and aural signature while it improves accuracy and precision, and controls unwanted recoil and barrel climb. IROC is a subsidiary of Caveat Engineering, a technology company that focuses on innovative solutions to product development and manufacturing. For more details, specifications, videos, shooters reports and online ordering visit IROCTactical.com or facebook/IROCTactical. IROC Tactical is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at 1511 E. S.R. 434 in Winter Springs.

Cuhaci & Peterson Completes Design work on two interior remodeling projects for Mitchell’s Fish Markets

ORLANDO, Fla. — Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed design work on two interior remodeling projects for Mitchell’s Fish Markets in Michigan. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson said the two front-of-house projects include a 4,976 square foot restaurant in Birmingham, Mich. and a 5,090 square foot restaurant in Livonia. Both cities are suburbs of Detroit. Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, headquartered in Orlando, 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 honors 25 year veteran with the firm

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently honored Norberto Campos who has completed 25 years with the architectural firm. Jed Downs, president at Cuhaci & Peterson, said Campos is vice president of design and a special company anniversary celebration was held Aug. 13 at the Quantum Leap Winery in Winter Park where the firm surprised him with a trip to Spain for he and his wife. Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, headquartered in Orlando, is one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space with projects that total more than two million square feet annually.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Sees Big Sales Ahead When Daytona International Speedway Reopens

Daytona Beach / Port Orange, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty projects it will see big sales of luxury homes when the Daytona International Speedway completes its renovation this year. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said two sales associates in Volusia County have already sold homes to or for NASCAR stars at Spruce Creek Fly-In in Port Orange. “We have an excellent relationship with resident NASCAR stars in Volusia County and we expect many more will be moving to the area or purchasing second homes as Daytona Beach International Speedway nears its opening date,” Soderstrom said. Over the years, Stirling Sotheby’s Associates Debbie Keilin and Rachel McGrath have negotiated seven property transactions representing NASCAR stars and staff at Spruce Creek and other luxury neighborhoods in Volusia County that total more than $7,449,000.

Central Florida’s First Holistic Preschool Nears Opening Date, Will Focus on Environment, Diet, Alternative Learning and Values

Winter Springs, Fla. --- The prototype campus of Irblich Schools, Central Florida’s first holistic preschool, is under construction now in Winter Springs and founder Birgitta Jorgenson hopes to open the unique facility before the end of this year. Located at 126 E. State Road 434 in Winter Springs, the first Irblich Schools campus will focus on a healthy environment, a healthy diet, alternative learning strategies and sustainable values, Jorgenson explained. “The interior build-out began in April and should be completed in August,” Jorgenson said. “The exterior construction should begin around the same time. We are transforming a portion of the existing parking lot into safe outdoor green space,” she added. The City of Winter Springs has been very supportive, Jorgenson said. Jorgenson’s four-year effort to develop the Irblich Schools concept could have a big payoff. She hopes to expand nationwide. Her 3,029-square foot facility was designed to create the healthiest possible environment for young students, and that starts with air quality. The flooring is made from recycled limestone. Large windows provide natural lighting. The furniture will be made of wood sourced from sustainable forests, using only water-based finishes and organic glues, she said. School lunches will feature a plant-strong diet stocked with Slow Food specialties Jorgenson said will be organic and locally sourced whenever available. The nine common foods that cause 90 percent of all U.S. food allergies won’t be on the menu. “Irblich Schools will boost the student’s brain and body naturally, and that should mean fewer trips to the pediatrician,” Jorgenson said. The curriculum is based on alternative learning strategies developed to foster resilience, tolerance, cooperation, and self-esteem. “Each student has innate gifts and our goal is to strengthen those natural talents,” Jorgenson said. “Exposing children to new and unfamiliar things helps them to appreciate and learn respect towards others,” she added. Daily school activities include gardening and composting, a strategy Jorgenson hopes will teach a love of labor and respect for sustainable values that will last through adulthood. A waiting list for students age three to five has already been established. “I have been surprised and delighted at the high level of interest so far,” Jorgenson said. To learn more, visit IrblichSchools.com/enrollment/. Irblich Schools is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs.

LENNAR STARTS SALES OF NEW EXECUTIVE HOMES AT REFLECTION ISLES IN FORT MYERS

Fort Myers, Fla. --- Lennar Homes has started sales of its Executive Homes in the newest phase at Reflection Isles, the gated luxury community located on River Otter Drive west of I-75 off Palomino Lane in Fort Myers. David Meyers, director of sales and marketing at Lennar in the southwest Florida region, said three, four and five-bedroom Executive Homes in the new phase range in size from 1,340 square feet of living space to 3,357 square feet in seven distinctive one and two-story designs priced from $230,990. The single-story Trevi model at Reflection Isles offers four bedrooms and three baths in 2,032 square feet of living space priced from $262,990 with a two-car garage. New homes at Reflection Isles come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide variety of upgrades such as crown molding, granite countertops, wood cabinetry, designer light fixtures, stainless steel appliances and a highly rated energy efficiency package all for the one Lennar Homes price. Visit www.Lennar.com

Hold Thyssen Real Estate Services Negotiates $1.45 Million Price in Sale of 125-Acre Equestrian Center in Marion County

Reddick, Fla. --- Hold Thyssen, Inc., a real estate services firm headquartered in Winter Park, with offices in Tampa, recently negotiated a $1.45 million price in the sale of the 125-acre Northwind Stables equestrian center on U.S. 441 in Reddick in Marion County. Robert Hold, president of Hold-Thyssen, Inc., was listing agent for the property along with Ocala Ranches. Hold said the Northwind Stables property includes a three-bedroom, two-bath owner’s home, a two-bedroom, two-bath manager’s house or guest house, and a one-bedroom apartment. Equestrian facilities include a four-stall stud barn with lab, a 15-stall quarantine barn, a 28-stall mare barn, two 20-stall training barns, a 24-stall barn, a hay barn, an equipment building, and a shop area, along with a farm office. Hold negotiated the deal representing Land Holding, LLC. The buyer was Stroud’s Lane Farms, LLC. Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Hold-Thyssen Negotiates Sale of 157,000 Square Foot Office Park in Tampa for $5.7 Million

TAMPA, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen, a real estate services firm headquartered in Winter Park with offices in Tampa, recently handled the $5,700,000 sale of Park at Bay Plaza, a 157,310 square foot office park at 9225-9350 Bay Plaza Blvd. in Tampa. R. Anthony Fisher, vice president at Hold-Thyssen, Inc., negotiated the sale on behalf of the Miami-based seller LNR Partners. Fisher said Hold-Thyssen has managed the property for the past two years and will continue in that role for the buyer whose name is undisclosed. Hold Thyssen was also assigned the leasing of the property upon the sale. The office park, located off highways 60 and 301, was constructed in two phases in 1979 and 1984, and was 55 percent leased at the time of the sale. Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Altamonte Springs Office Building for $1.9+ Million

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of the 17,000 square foot class A office building at 234 N. Westmonte Drive in Altamonte Springs for $1,907,500. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal in the firm, and associate Chris Adams negotiated the sale after leasing it up to 100 percent on behalf of the seller, Alleve Investments, LLC of Orlando. MSR Westmonte LLC of Lake Mary purchased the fully-leased, 30+ year-old building. Shailesh Limbachia of Cosmopolitan Home Realty represented the buyer.

Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services Negotiates $5.625 Million Price in Sale of 12.5-Acre Development Site in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen Inc. recently negotiated a $5,625,000 price in the sale of the 12.5 acre Westco Land Trust residential development site on Millennia Boulevard just west of John Young Parkway in west Orlando. Robert Hold, president of Hold-Thyssen, Inc., negotiated the transaction on behalf of the seller, Robert B. White, Jr., as trustee for Westco Land Trust. Florida Property Investments Assets represented the buyer, PSREG M North Owner LP. The buyer plans to develop 288 luxury apartments on the site. Hold also reported the $1.45 million sale of the 125-acre Northwind Stables equestrian center on U.S. 441 in Reddick in Marion County. Hold was listing agent for that transaction along with Ocala Ranches. Hold negotiated the deal representing Land Holding, LLC. The buyer was Stroud’s Lane Farms, LLC. The Northwind Stables property includes a three-bedroom owner’s home, a two-bedroom manager’s house and a one-bedroom apartment, along with 111 stables in six barns, along with offices and equipment facilities. Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

StoneGate Golf Club at Solivita Names Bill Beasley Golf Course Superintendent

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- StoneGate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee has named Bill Beasley as superintendent. Larry Snyder, vice president of Agronomy for Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita, said Beasley has more than 15 years of experience in golf course management. Beasley is a graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton, Ga. and holds a degree in Environmental Horticulture Technology. He began his career in Orlando at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club. Most recently, Beasley was an assistant golf course superintendent at Marriott’s Grande Vista Resort. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association. “We are excited that Bill has joined our staff at StoneGate Golf Club and look forward to seeing great results in our greens on the golf course,” Rahmani said.

Ashton Woods Homes Names New Sales Associate at Lake Mary Community

ORLANDO, Fla. – Ashton Woods Homes has appointed Richard Foutz a new home sales counselor. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes said Foutz, who has 10 years of real estate experience, will be working out of the Ashton Woods’ Fountain Parke community on Rinehart Rd. in Lake Mary.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Investment Sale of Five Acre Site on Williamson Blvd. in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NAI Realvest, based in Orlando, recently negotiated the $290,000 sale price for 5.13 acres of vacant land located at 551 N. Williamson Blvd. in Daytona Beach. Chris Butera, investment associate at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction representing both the seller, BankFirst Realty, Inc. of Winter Park and the buyer, Ormond Beach-based, Williamson Partners, LLC. The property is zoned for professional office but the buyer has no plans for development in the foreseeable future.

NAI Realvest Negotiates new Industrial Lease of 19,594 square feet in Longwood for first Central Florida location of Tampa Bay Volleyball Academy

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 19,594 square feet of industrial space in Unit 100 at 1200 Charles St. in the American Industrial Center in Longwood. NAI Realvest Associate Mitch Heidrich and Principals Kevin O’Connor and Matt Cichocki negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, Tampa Bay Volleyball Academy LLC which is expanding its training facilities to Central Florida from Tampa. The landlord is American Industrial Center Ltd. The air-conditioned facility with ample parking is well-suited for recreational use and an October opening is anticipated.

Condor Temperature Monitoring to Introduce New Product to Remotely Monitor, Alert Owners when Pets Get Overheated, Seeks Indiegogo Funding

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Condor Temperature Monitoring is introducing a new product that will remotely monitor animal enclosures---including the family car---and alert owners when their pets or even livestock become overheated, which can cause injury or death. Condor Temperature Monitoring, which already sells a wide range of environmental monitoring technology, is seeking funding for the initial production run of the Condor for Pets via Indiegogo.com, the web-based, crowd-sourced opportunity for small private investors to contribute to new inventions. Penni Blake, chief operating officer of Condor Temperature Monitoring, said startup production of the Condor for Pets will require initial capitalization in the amount of $31,000--funding that her company expects to acquire through an Indiegogo.com campaign (http://igg.me/at/condorpet/x/7582288). “There is no product on the market that reliably monitors temperature conditions inside cars, kennels, barns and other animal habitats and automatically alerts owners when temperatures reach unsafe levels,” Blake said. “Pet owners especially can find themselves in awkward circumstances when leaving pets in a car for even short durations when passers-by alert authorities,” she said. “The Condor for Pets comes with a highly visible decal for car windows to inform authorities and good Samaritans alike that the owner of the vehicle is responsibly caring for the pet and will be alerted if conditions threaten the health of the animal,” Blake explained. “The Condor for Pets provides an affordable, easy to use solution not only for vehicles but for kennels, warrens, coops, barn enclosures and other pet and livestock habitats,” she added. Basic materials required for the fulfillment of the Condor for Pets project are expensive. “We aren’t asking for speculative capital. Instead, we are offering presales of the Condor for Pets in order to drive costs down so we can offer the most advanced technology at a price everyone can afford,” Blake said. Condor Temperature Monitoring is one of the UCF Business Incubation Program’s soft-landing clients – a business headquartered outside the region that wants to startup operations in Metro Orlando – located at the Central Florida Research Park incubator site in East Orange County.

NAI Realvest Closes Sale of 22+ Acres of Lakeland Industrial Land for $1.26 Million

LAKELAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently closed the sale of 22.22 acres of industrial land located at 3150 County Line Rd. in Lakeland for $1,260,000.00. NAI Realvest broker associate Drew Saphos, CCIM, chairman George Livingston, principal Christie Alexander, and associate Paul Vera, CCIM negotiated the sale representing the seller, Ozark Automotive Distributors, Inc. c/a O’Reilly Auto Parts based in Springfield, Mo. Gateway Business Park, LLC, c/a The Ruthvens, Inc., a Lakeland-based development firm, purchased the property and was represented in the transaction by David Bunch of Hauger-Bunch, Inc. According to Saphos, The Ruthvens intend to develop the site for speculative industrial product, similar to their Ruthven Business Park on Gateway Boulevard to the northeast.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Named To The ZweigWhite List of 100 “Hot Firms” for 2014

ORLANDO, Fla. – Baldwin Park-based Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space, was recently named to the ZweigWhite Hot 100 Firms List for 2014. Cuhaci & Peterson President Jed Downs said ZweigWhite consulting firm based in Fayetteville, Ark., surveys architectural, engineering and environmental firms throughout the U.S. and Canada to select the 100 fastest growing companies based on revenue growth. This year’s 100 firms posted the highest percentage of revenue growth and dollar revenue growth over a three-year period compared to the other entrants. Downs said Cuhaci & Peterson’s revenues topped $15 Million in 2013. The firm employs a total staff of over 180 in Orlando and the Philadelphia area. The ZweigWhite Hot Firm List recognizes the firms that have outperformed the economy and competitors to become leaders in their chosen fields.

NAI Realvest negotiates new and renewal industrial leases in Sanford totaling 7,850 square feet

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease at 311 Specialty Place off CR 15 and SR 46 and a renewal lease in Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford. Jeff Bloom, senior director at NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease of 3,850 square feet representing the new tenant, Orlando-based OE Holdings. Marie T. Figueiredo and Robert J. Maksimowicz of Orlando are the landlords at 311 Specialty Place. At Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford, Michael Heidrich principal at NAI Realvest negotiated a renewal agreement with PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. of Pittsburgh, representing the landlord Monroe South SPE, LLC. The tenant renewed the lease of 4,000 square feet at 666 Progress Way.

LENNAR HOMES OPENS NEW PHASE OF ESTATE HOMES AT POPULAR GRAN PARADISO IN VENICE

VENICE, Fla. --- Lennar Homes has opened a new phase of Estate Homes at its popular new Gran Paradiso community, located off Tamiami Trail east of N. River Road in Venice. David Meyers, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said Lennar’s Estate Series homes have proved the most popular of five new home collections at Gran Paradiso since the much-anticipated community opened in January. Lennar’s Estate Homes at Gran Paradiso offer five distinctive floor plans that range in size from 2,361 square feet of living space in the four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Oakmont model to the five-bedroom, four-bath Colonade Grand design, a majestic two-story home. All Estate Series homes at Gran Paradiso offer three-car garages, along with stately entryways, sweeping open floor plans, enormous gourmet kitchens and covered lanais that create spacious outdoor living areas. Meyers said 51 Estate Series homes are planned in the new phase and Lennar will start construction of the first Estate Series homes in the new phase in September. Gran Paradiso was designed as a resort for everyday living, with a massive community clubhouse, a resort-style swimming pool and spa, steam room, a media center, tennis courts and fitness trails. Altogether 1,800 new homes are planned at Gran Paradiso priced from the high $100s to more than $500,000, including Estate Homes, Executive Homes, Manor Homes and Villas that range in size from 1,340 square feet of living space to almost 4,000 square feet. Gran Paradiso will also offer Lennar’s NextGenTM ‘home within a home’ designed to accommodate multiple generations. All new homes at Gran Paradiso come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: upgrades such as crown molding, granite counters, wood cabinetry, designer fixtures, stainless steel appliances and a highly rated energy efficiency package all for the one Lennar Homes price. “Gran Paradiso was planned and designed to be the showcase luxury resort community in Venice,” Meyers said. Visit www.Lennar.com.

Berkadia Negotiates $21.3 Million Sale of Arbour Apartments in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – Berkadia recently negotiated the $21.3 Million sale of the Arbour Apartments at 11000–11600 MacKay Boulevard, only one-half mile from the University of Central Florida in east Orlando. Berkadia’s Florida Partner, Cole Whitaker, led the team of Hal Warren, Berkadia’s Senior Vice President, and Robert Hold, Hold-Thyssen, Inc.’s President, in representing the seller, Arbour Apartments LLC. The buyer was BW Arbour Apartments LLC, based out of New York. The apartment complex was built in 1972 with one and two bedroom units totaling 292,000 rentable square feet in 36 buildings situated on 22.7 acres The transaction included two swimming pools, lighted tennis and basketball courts, fitness center, billiard room and two 24-hour laundry centers.

M/I Homes Acquires home sites at Lake Pointe on Lake ToHo in St. Cloud

ORLANDO, Fla. -- M/I Homes has acquired 12 home sites at Lake Pointe, the gated community that sits on Fells Cove on East Lake ToHo in St. Cloud. David Byrnes, area president of M/I Homes, said the homebuilder will start construction of three move-in ready homes at Lake Pointe in August, priced from $499,000. Byrnes said the three move-in ready homes will be ready for occupancy in January. Lake Pointe, located off Narcoossee Road, features security cameras at the entry, pristine ponds, natural preserve area, swimming pool, waterfront park with tennis court and a viewing dock.

Pulte Homes recently started Pre-selling New Single-Family Homes in Country Walk

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has started pre-selling in its newest single-family homes community, Country Walk, located off Meadow Pointe Blvd. south of S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the north Florida region, said Pulte plans to build 32 new three and four bedroom homes at Country Walk that will range in size from 1,827 square feet of living space to 2,443 square feet, priced from the low $200s with two-car garages. Strickler said three Life Tested® home designs are available at Country Walk with features that include flex rooms, lofts, game rooms and optional drop zones and lanais. Country Walk is within an A-rated school system including Wiregrass High School, Dr. John Long Middle School, and Double Branch Elementary School. The community features a 5,000 square foot community clubhouse, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, covered children’s playground and fitness center. Country Walk is minutes from the Shops at Wiregrass and boasts easy access to I-75 and I-275. New Pulte homes at Country Walk will be available for presale at an offsite location, Stonebrier Waterbridge, located at 3202 Mapleridge Dr. in Lutz. For more information, email Vincent.kuntz@pulte.com or call 866- 230-3599.

Partyka Group at NAI Realvest negotiates $513,000 Sale of retail facility off Hwy 192 in Kissimmee

ORLANDO, Fla. – Paul P. Partyka and Juan Jimenez – the Partyka Group at NAI Realvest – recently negotiated the $513,000 sale price for a 10,500 square foot restaurant /retail facility at 4118 W. Vine St. off Hwy. 192 in Kissimmee. Partyka and Jimenez brokered the transaction representing the seller, Titusville, Fla-based SBI Leasing, Inc. The buyer Latin Ale House, LLC has strong retail experience in Central Florida, according to Partyka.

Ashton Woods Homes Names New Sales Associate

ORLANDO, Fla. – Ashton Woods Homes has appointed Ramune Cruz a sales associate. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region said Cruz will work out of the homebuilder’s Laureate Park community on Narcoossee Road in the Lake Nona area. Cruz has more than 10 years of experience in real estate sales, Roche said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Office Lease Agreements totaling More than 8,200 Rentable Square Feet in Longwood

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated new, renewal and expansion leases at professional office buildings in Longwood totaling 8,251 rentable square feet. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest represented Landlord Red Booth Circle Holdings, LLC of Newport Beach, Calif., in a renewal and expansion lease agreement with Jon M. Hall Company, an excavating contractor, at Cambridge Square, 1920 Boothe Circle in the southeast quadrant of SR 434 and Interstate 4. The tenant renewed their lease of suite 220 with 4,080 square feet and expanded into suite 230 with 2,139 square feet for a total of 6,219 rentable square feet. At the same time, NAI Realvest principal Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, represented local Landlord W.P. Management Inc. in a new lease agreement with U C Synergetic LLC, a national engineering, technical and consulting firm headquartered in Charlotte. The new tenant leased 2,032 rentable square feet of ground floor space at Oak Reserve II located at 661 W. Warren Ave. off W. S.R. 434 near South Seminole Hospital.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Former Midas Auto Service Building in Ormond Beach for $300,000

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of the former Midas Auto Service Building at 60 N. Yonge St. in Ormond Beach for $300,000. The NAI Realvest Retail Team of Matt Cichocki and Mitch Heidrich brokered the transaction, representing the owner, Atlanta-based Midas Realty Corporation, a subsidiary of TBC Corporation. As the exclusive representative of TBC Corporation, the NAI Realvest Retail Team is marketing three other former Midas and Tire Kingdom locations in Central Florida. Lonnie and Sylvia Ritenour are the local buyers who plan to operate an auto service business at the 3,240 square foot facility that was built in 1990.

Partyka Group at NAI Realvest negotiates $500,000 Sale Price of Building on Semoran Blvd in Orlando for New Medical Office

ORLANDO, Fla., -- Paul P. Partyka and Juan Jimenez of the Partyka Group at NAI Realvest recently negotiated the $500,000 sale price for a 7,000 square foot free- standing office building at 601 S. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando Partyka and Jimenez, brokered the transaction representing the buyer, U-Max LLC, a Kissimmee-based real estate developer, and the local seller, Spencer General, Inc. The property will be the site of a new medical office. The sale includes the two-story Class B office building built in 1977 and its 29,700 square foot site which is near the intersection of Danube Way just south of the (408) East-West Expressway.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completes design of two Price Choppers in NY State

Blue Bell, Pa. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, with offices in the Philadelphia area, recently completed design of two Price Chopper grocery stores in Little Falls and Watervliet, both in New York State. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the Price Choppers in Little Falls and Watervliet, N.Y. are 30,000 and 40,000 square feet respectively, and construction was recently completed. Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, headquartered in Orlando, is one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space with projects that total more than two million square feet annually.

SightPlan Named NAA Innovation Tank Grand Prize Winner

ORLANDO, Fla. — SightPlan, which is modernizing multifamily resident service and asset management, was named winner of the National Apartment Association Innovation Tank at the organization’s largest annual event. Joseph Westlake represented the company as one of three finalists who pitched their business ideas to ABC hit TV show “Shark Tank” veterans Barbara Corcoran and Kevin Harrington. Westlake presented SightWorks, the premier offering of the SightPlan family of products that enables property managers to organize a single site or an entire portfolio. SightWorks automates operational details helping owners and operators focus on the big picture of building great communities and improving asset value. “It was an incredible thrill to share the stage with Barbara and Kevin and get the instant feedback from the audience. Seeing their enthusiasm for SightWorks is the best reward for what has been a year of dedicated development by our team,” said Westlake. SightPlan has a unique approach to managing work orders, solving resident issues and enhancing asset value. The company’s premier product SightWorks combines collections of tasks, places and people in powerful ways to handle resident issues, work orders, preventive maintenance and make ready tasks, according to Westlake. SightPlan is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.

33 Celebration Golf Management Workers, Managers Earn Certificate in AED/CPR First Aid

CELEBRATION, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Management recently sponsored a training course that could one day save a life. Kenny Nairn, chief operating officer and co-owner of celebration golf management, said 33 of the company’s managers recently completed the training to make themselves proficient in CPR emergency first aid, including use of the automated external defibrillator (AED), a portable device that checks the heart rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest---if needed the defibrillator can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. “In Florida we have many challenges to fight with when playing the game , but anyone of any age can suffer sudden cardiac arrest,” Nairn said. “We sponsored this training session so our managers could render lifesaving aid in the unfortunate event we have an emergency on one of our golf courses,” Nairn said. Studies show that the sooner first aid can be rendered following an incident, the sooner the patient will recover and with less damage to the heart muscle. Melissa Beattie of HeartStart CPR Training taught the 4-hour course. Celebration Golf Management owns or operates 11 golf clubs and 14 courses in the Central Florida area, Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Tennessee.

NAI Realvest negotiates $1.01 Million Sale of Longwood Office Building

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest negotiated the sale of the 16,000 square foot office building at 1920 Boothe Circle in Longwood for $1,010,000.00. Michael Heidrich, principal at the firm, and associate Kristen Kemp negotiated the sale representing the seller, Red Boothe Circle Holdings, LLC based in Newport Beach, Calif. SFG Properties, LLC of Longwood purchased the 17-year-old office building which was 66 percent occupied at the time of the sale.

First Response Disaster Team Selected by UCF Business Incubator as 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – First Response Disaster Team, a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at Daytona Beach International Airport, has been named the Incubator’s 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year. Incubator Site Manager Connie Bernal recognized First Response Disaster Team founders Anne-Marie and Ken Poulin at a formal presentation recently by presenting them with a commemorative plaque after going over some of their accomplishments, specifically their significant growth. Since joining the UCF Business Incubation program last year with just two people, the company employs nine today and plans to continue the growth, creating jobs in Volusia County. “The Poulins are visionaries determined to succeed. They have all the potential for creating and maintaining a successful high-growth company,” Bernal said. In the past year, Ken Poulin received certification as a Master Restorer with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification; his wife, Anne-Marie Poulin became a Florida-licensed mold remediator; and the business expanded into an 8,000-square-foot building in Edgewater. Additionally, the First Response Team went through a rigorous process before being approved as a partner/contractor with First Choice Repair, a third-party administrator that refers insurance carriers to approved restoration and emergency mitigation contractors. First Response is a full-service restoration service team that handles water extraction, water damage restoration, mold removal, and fire and smoke damage restoration. The company focuses on developing trusted relationships with business partners, including plumbing contractors, property managers, real estate and insurance agents and others.

Hold-Thyssen Negotiates new lease for Jewelry Import-Export firm at Tri-County Business Park

TAMPA, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen, Inc., a commercial property firm based in Winter Park, with offices in Tampa, recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 2,000 square feet of office space at 14240 Carlson Circle in Tampa’s Tri-County Business Park. Richard J. Fisher, vice president / investor services in Hold-Thyssen’s Tampa office, said Transaction Specialist Theresa Margaris negotiated the transaction representing the tenant. Margaris said the new tenant, MSMYR Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Capri Williams, is a well-established jewelry importer/exporter specializing in wholesale distribution throughout the U.S. The pending sale of their existing location was the catalyst for seeking new space in their current market area. Hold-Thyssen, Inc. provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Lennar to Start Sales of Single-Family Homes at The Enclave at Moss Park in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar will start sales of single-family homes priced from the mid-$200s this fall and its first model is underway at The Enclave at Moss Park located off Moss Park Rd. and Great Commission Way in Southeast Orlando. Mark Metheny, Central Florida division president, said Lennar plans to build 45 new three to six-bedroom homes with three to four baths and two and three car garages at The Enclave at Moss Park. New Lennar built homes at The Enclave at Moss Park range from approximately 1,736 square feet of living area to 3,773 square feet on 50-foot homesites. Eight distinctive, one and two-story floor plans will be available, Metheny said, . All new Lennar homes at The Enclave at Moss Park come with the homebuilder’s Everything’s Included pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and upgrades including the Lennar’s EcoSmart program, at one “everything’s included” price, The community, which is convenient to shopping and dining venues and major arterial highways, features a children’s playground, basketball court, community clubhouse, swimming pool and cabana.

Bold! Technologies Forms Partnership with iData Sciences

ORLANDO, Fla. -- BOLD! Technologies LLC in Orlando has partnered with iData Sciences LLC, a technology firm based in Abu Dhabi with offices in Germany, India and the U.S. Louis Simeonidis, chief marketing officer at BOLD! Technologies, said Bold! formed the partnership in order to integrate iData’s MapOptis platform, a powerful tool with “human like” functions such as computer vision, self-learning and processing techniques that automatically retrieve and process content from almost any source, including printed and handwritten documents, video and images, and makes the content searchable. The MapOptis platform can benefit a wide range of industries including retail, media companies, healthcare and publishing, Simeonidis explained. “Automating data extraction and processing increases productivity and processing as well as accuracy, Simeonidis said. “It decreases labor time and frees up resources to focus on other needs,” he added. Simeonidis said the partnership resulted from a previous collaboration. “We saw just how powerful a tool MapOptis is and the value it could bring our clients,” Simeonidis said. “For their part, iData benefits by getting their tool in front of BOLD! customers.” "BOLD! is excited about this partnership as it expands the services we can deliver to our clients,” Simeonidis said. BOLD! Technologies is a client of the UCF Business Incubator in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

ICI Homes opening Siena at Town Center, its Newest Neighborhood with 85 home sites in Nocatee

Ponte Vedra, Fla. -- ICI Homes is starting sales at Siena at its newest neighborhood of Siena at Town Center in Nocatee located off Nocatee Village Dr. and Town Plaza Ave. in Ponte Vedra. Don Wilford, North Florida division president, said ICI Homes plans to build 85 new homes at Siena at Town Center in a variety of floor plans ranging from 1,500 square feet of living area to 3,000 square feet, with prices starting in the mid- $300s. Three models are now underway and will be completed in December. Siena at Town Center will offer Mediterranean, Tuscan and Spanish front elevations and unique features like rear alley entry garages, front porches and courtyards. Residents at Siena at Town Center will be a short walk from Nocatee’s Town Center and have access to all of the community’s recreational amenities including a splash water park, fitness club and community park.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Complete Design of Three New Florida Aldi Stores

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando recently completed design work on three new Aldi grocery stores in Florida. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson said the three Aldi grocery stores, all offering 16,000 square feet of retail space are located in Avalon Park in East Orlando, Royal Palm Beach in Palm Beach County and Florida City in South Dade County. 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.

Lennar Homes opens new phase at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Lennar Homes recently opened a new phase at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch, the gated luxury community located off Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Bradenton. David Meyers, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said Lennar plans to build 33 homes in the new phase at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch. “Sales of new homes at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch have been very strong since our grand opening,” Meyers said. Four months ago Lennar unveiled four new model homes to showcase its Manor and Estate homes at Bridgewater at Lakewood Ranch. Lennar’s three, four and five-bedroom Estate Homes are available in seven distinctive designs that range in size from 2,394 square feet of living space to 3,800 square feet, priced from $397,990. Four, five and six-bedroom Manor Homes are offered in four distinctive designs that range in size from 2,245 square feet to 3,828 square feet priced from $325,990. The two-story Oxford model home 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. All new 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.

Hold-Thyssen Negotiates New Professional Office Lease with Harbor Community Bank in Winter Park

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services, recently negotiated a five-year lease agreement for 3,817 rentable square feet in Suite 200 at 243 W. Park Ave. in downtown Winter Park. Darby Hold and Therese Taylor, lease consultants for Hold-Thyssen, Inc., negotiated the transaction representing the local landlord, New England Partners, LLC. The new tenant, South Florida-based Harbor Community Bank, will establish its Central Florida Administrative Center in Winter Park, effective Aug. 1. The bank chose this building due to its excellent location in downtown Winter Park. Other major tenants at the New England Building include Kelly Price and Company, Elizabeth Hawthorne Faiella, PA and Kracht Law Firm. Hold-Thyssen, Inc. provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Sundog Software Earns Coveted Spot on Gaming Industry’s 100 Tech List for Software it Developed for Military

Orlando, Fla. --- Sundog Software LLC, based in Orlando, recently earned a coveted spot on the “Develop 100 List” of software providers who are making a major contribution to digital gaming alongside Xbox, Google Glass, Havok Vision Engine and other industry luminaries. Sundog’s Triton Ocean SDK---an application that digitally portrays oceanic wave activity in startlingly vivid imagery that can respond realistically to digital stimuli ranging from storm surges to passing ships---was originally developed for training simulation programs in the defense and commercial shipping industries. Frank Kane, founder of Sundog Software, said the firm began marketing its innovative technology to the gaming industry last year. “Depicting oceanic waves realistically with varying conditions has always been one of the more difficult problems in simulation,” Kane explained. “Ocean waves aren’t symmetrical and they aren’t random, so any simulated depiction has to fall somewhere in between and show the influences of currents, winds, shore features and man-made objects such as ships,” he said. The Triton Ocean SDK application has become the gold standard for wave depiction in defense simulation, Kane said. “We are surprised and delighted to have earned a spot on the Develop 100 list,” Kane said. Sundog Software is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County and a member of the Central Florida STEM Council.

4.6-Acre Birmingham Land Site Closes for $4,350,000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Berkadia Real Estate Advisors, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of a 4.6-acre multifamily land site located at the northeast corner of Clairmont Avenue South and 34th Street South in the heart of the Lakeview District of Birmingham for $4.35 million. With its premier, urban location, the 4.6-acre infill site is central to an MSA of nearly 1.2 million within a district that has enjoyed an impressive organic growth over the years, with a clear "identity" as the leading entertainment district in the city. The site is convenient to UAB, the state’s largest employer and the Downtown Central Business District, while surrounded by some of the oldest and most prestigious residential neighborhoods in the MSA like Forest Park and Highland. Lakeview is also home to some of the city’s top employers including BBVA Compass Bank, St. Vincents Hospital, Brasfield and Gorrie, over 100 design and construction related firms. There have been a number of false starts on the site across from Highland Golf Course on Highland Avenue since five apartment complexes were razed back in 2005 to make way for a grand condo project. Since condo crash landed the project back in the hands of the lender, numerous groups have attempted and failed to successfully develop the site, until now. David Oakley, partner, and Royce Emerson, senior vice president, at Berkadia Real Estate Advisors' Alabama office represented the lender in the sale of this multifamily development site zoned for 247 units to Bristol Development Group of Franklin, Tenn. The property went through a short marketing period, uncovering a number of local, regional and institutional groups expressing interest. The Buyer, Bristol Development Group, won the project and recently closed, after a short due diligence period. Emerson, who headed up the marketing effort on the property stated, "The significant shift in housing trends nationally toward rent versus purchase for both young professionals and baby boomers alike represent real demand for this type of urban living experience with the fantastic walkability and sense of community you get being located in the heart of the historic Forest Park neighborhood. With the unique architectural designs, high-end finishes and the over-the-top amenities package that the Bristol Development Group are well known for combined with this special location, the project is certain to represent a noteworthy step in the continued revitalization of downtown Birmingham."

Park Square Homes hosted Grand Opening for its Lakeside at Toscana community in Dr. Phillips area

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Park Square Homes recently held a grand opening of its new gated community, Lakeside at Toscana, located off Turkey Lake Rd. overlooking Spring Lake in the Dr. Phillips area of south Orlando. Vishaal Gupta, president of Park Square Homes said the homebuilder is offering three-story floor plans at Lakeside at Toscana and a new three-story model is now open for viewing. The Lake model home offers 4,300 square feet of living area and features lakefront pool. Gupta said Park Square Homes has 32 home sites in Lakeside at Toscana – including several lakefront home sites – for homes priced from the $600s with from three to six bedrooms, three to four baths, ranging from 3,494 square feet of living area to 5,010 square feet. Located in close proximity to fine schools, Mall at Millennia and the attractions, Lakeside at Toscana features lake views and luxurious landscaping. A clubhouse with fitness center, pool and spa are among the community amenities.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Friendly’s Restaurant in Royal Palm Beach for $1,790,000

Orlando, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the $1,790,000 sale-leaseback of a 5,700 square foot Friendly’s restaurant at 1001 N. SR 7 in Royal Palm Beach. Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail and investment services at the firm, brokered the transaction on behalf of the seller AKZ Florida Real Estate Holdings LLC and the buyer CSG&M RPB, LLC, a net lease investor who leased the property back to the seller. Birdie provides various real estate services including sale-leaseback, leasing, brokerage and site selection.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects complete design on two new Ale House Restaurants

Blue Bell, Pa. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners with offices in the Philadelphia area, recently completed design on two new Ale House restaurants. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said one Ale House restaurant is in Commack, N.Y. and the other is in Columbus, Ohio. Both Ale Houses offer 11,200 square feet of restaurant space. Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, headquartered in Orlando, is one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space with projects that total more than two million square feet annually.

LENNAR OPENS NEW PHASE WITH 145 HOME SITES AT CONCORD STATION IN LAND O'LAKES

TAMPA, Fla - Lennar recently opened a new phase with 145 home sites at Concord Station, the homebuilder's popular master-planned family community located off State Road 54 and Sun Lake Boulevard in Land O'Lakes. Mark Metheny, Central Florida Division president, said Lennar plans to build 52 new three and four bedroom homes priced from $180,000 on 40-foot home sites in the new phase. The new phase will also include 93 new three, four and five bedroom homes priced from the high $200s on 65-foot home sites. Lennar is building new three, four and five-bedroom homes at Cambridge at Concord Station priced from $219,990. New one and two-story homes at Cambridge at Concord Station range in size from 1,504 square feet to 2,767 square feet and seven distinctive floor plans are available. The two-story Plymouth model home will be open daily at Cambridge at Concord Station with three bedrooms, loft, two full baths and a half bath in 2,076 square feet priced from 257,990 with a two-car garage. At Wellington Estates at Concord Station Lennar is building new three, four, five and six-bedroom homes that range in size from 1,909 square feet of living space to 3,889 square feet. New one and two-story homes at Wellington Estates are priced from $243,990. Eleven distinctive one and two-story floor plans are available and two model homes are open daily for tours. Concord Station features a 5,000-square foot community center with a swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, a sport court, a lake pond and a community park with picnic area, children's playground and tot lot. All Lennar homes at Concord Station come with the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of GE energy smart appliances, special features and upgrades at the one Lennar price.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects names new Technical Manager, two Project Coordinators

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park recently appointed Jeff Muzzin Technical Manager and at the same time named two new project coordinators. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said Muzzin has more than 21 years of experience and he received his degree in Architecture from the University of Detroit. Cuhaci & Peterson also named Celeste Hanson, Senior Project Coordinator. Hanson, a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Architecture has been in the industry for eight years. Jose Bonilla, who was named Project Coordinator 1 at Cuhaci & Peterson, is a 16-year veteran in the industry. Bonilla majored in AutoCAD at Mid-Florida Technical Institute.

NAI Realvest negotiates leases totaling more than 39,000 square feet at South Seminole Industrial Park in Longwood

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated two lease agreements for 39,113 square feet at South Seminole Industrial Park off Florida Central Parkway and SR 434 in Longwood. Michael Heidrich principal at NAI Realvest represented the tenant S.I. Goldman Company in a renewal lease of 15,260 square feet at 799 Bennett Drive. The landlord is Bennett Drive LLC Heidrich represented the landlord, Carmany Holdings LLC, in a new lease agreement with Nutrakey, Inc. for 23,853 square feet at 975 Bennett Drive at the industrial center. Mark Harkins of Harkins Commercial represented the tenant.

DiVosta Homes to Host Grand Opening to Showcase Two New Model Homes at the Cove at Waterway Village in Vero Beach

VERO BEACH, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes will host a grand opening Saturday, Aug. 9 to showcase two new model homes priced from the mid $200s at Cove at Waterway Village, located on Kings Highway and 53rd St. in Vero Beach. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for DiVosta Homes in the south Florida region, said the event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. along with live music and tours of both model homes. Mairn said the Martin Ray model is one of DiVosta Homes’ most popular designs. The 1,968 square foot home offers two bedrooms and two baths with a flex room and an optional loft, priced from $233,990 with a two-car garage with its own golf cart port. A view of the Martin Ray’s interior shows why the home has been so well-received: DiVosta Homes has extended its open floor plan to create a sweeping family living space that includes an island kitchen, café and gathering room that together measure almost 600 square feet of living space that opens onto an outdoor living lanai that adds another 128 square feet. “The design creates a transitional family and entertainment space with multiple options for furnishings and media with a look and feel that is quite spectacular,” Mairn said. The Pinnacle model at Cove at Waterway Village offers three bedrooms and three baths in 2,488 square feet with a flex room and an optional upstairs loft. Priced from $264,990, the Pinnacle features a two-car and a golf cart port. Amenities at Cove at Waterway Village include a community swimming pool and cabana and a bocce ball court.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Logs Sales of Luxury Homes at Spruce Creek Fly-In Totaling $90 Million

Port Orange, Fla. --- Spruce Creek Fly-In, the unique residential development with its own airport has made history since its opening with celebrity homeowners and aviation milestones, but the past five years have been among the best. Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is celebrating its fifth year at Spruce Creek Fly-In, and senior associates Rachel McGrath and Debbie Keilin, who opened the Stirling Sotheby’s office at Spruce Creek five years ago next month, have posted 227 sales transactions that total more than $90 million. The future looks even better at the gated community with 1,300 homes and championship golf course. The McGrath-Keilin team forecasts that sales will total more than $30 million over the next 12 months. “Rachel and Debbie joined Stirling Sotheby’s because of our international brand and exposure,” said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of the firm. “They are extremely perceptive women and they understood that the market was changing. More international buyers are entering the market, a trend that started about six years ago but is now growing exponentially,” Soderstrom said. The McGrath-Keilin team focuses on Spruce Creek but their efforts include waterfront residences along the Atlantic Coast and the Intracoastal Waterway. “Rachel and Debbie use some of the most sophisticated marketing tools in real estate, including high quality drone photography and videos,” Soderstrom said. McGrath and Keilin---and their clients at Spruce Creek---have been well served by Stirling Sotheby’s International’s reach, with more than 700 offices in 54 countries and coverage on over 100 major media and web portals around the world. “Florida luxury homes are a commodity with a growing worldwide market that is almost immune to market cycles,” Soderstrom explained. “The sort of sophisticated marketing skills Rachel and Debbie have embraced are a perfect match for a perfect community, and we are looking forward to a dynamic year ahead,” he said.