Hold Thyssen Announces lease at Visitors Plaza in Kissimmee to Triple F Entertainment, LLC, d/b/a MGA Machine Gun America/Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – Hold Thyssen recently announced that it leased 10,000 square feet of retail space in Visitors Plaza in Kissimmee to Triple F Entertainment, LLC, for a 10 year term. Martin Forster, CCIM of Hold Thyssen acted on behalf of the landlord of Visitors Plaza, the estate of the late, well-respected Kissimmee businessman, Delroy “Joe” Josephs, Sr. Visitors Plaza is located at the northeast quadrant of the intersection of West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (SR 192) and Holiday Trail, across from Old Town USA. The 10,000 square foot space had formerly been occupied by the Sizzlin’ Grill. Triple F Entertainment LLC does business as Machine Gun AmericaTM, slated as Orlando’s first Automatic Adrenaline AttractionTM, offering its guests an exciting way to experience some of the most famous firearms from around the world in a safe, secure, state-of-the-art environment. MGATM is not a gun range, and guests cannot bring their own firearms, but rather a firearms attraction experience only. MGATM also offers high-level premier ‘military grade’ training simulators that entertain up to four guests at a time, plus full immersion gaming experiences with surround sound. MGATM will initially create an estimated 25 highly skilled jobs in Osceola County, and is scheduled to open its doors to the public Dec. 20. “This was an intricate transaction requiring protracted negotiations. However, once our concerns about safety were satisfied we were delighted to welcome Triple F as tenants,” said Forster. “We have been impressed at the speed and efficiency of their build-out and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with MGA,” he added. Hold-Thyssen, a real estate services firm headquartered in Winter Park with offices in Tampa, 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 than 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Lennar is Opening Two new models for viewing at its new phase at South Fork in Riverview

TAMPA, Fla. -- Lennar's Central Florida division is opening two new furnished and decorated model homes in its newest phase at South Fork on Ambleside Blvd. off Big Bend Rd. east of US 301 in Riverview, Tampa’s Southshore area. Mark Metheny, division president, said Lennar is building 107 new homes in the new phase that’s configured for larger homes with three-car garages. The homes will range from 2,277 square feet of living area to 4,259 square feet, priced from the $250s. Metheny said two models will be open and ready for viewing by mid-December at Lennar's new phase at South Fork. One model is The Buckingham, A two-story home with four bedrooms, a study, bonus room and three full baths in 3,711 square feet base priced at $310,990 The other model that will be furnished, decorated and ready for viewing in Lennar’s new phase at South Fork is the Newcastle, with four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, family room, formal living / dining room in 2,599 square feet, base priced at $283,990. 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. Amenities homeowners enjoy at South Fork are community pools, recreation areas, tennis courts and playgrounds. Schools are in walking distance and major highways are easily accessible. Visit www.LennarTampa.com .

Berkadia brokers $27 Million Sale of Mission Galleria Apartments in Cobb County

ATLANTA, GA. – Berkadia Real Estate Advisors, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently brokered a $27 million sale of the 416-unit Mission Galleria apartment community located at 5000 S. Lincoln Trace Ave. NE in Smyrna, Cobb County, Ga. Andrew Mays and Paul Vetter, senior vice presidents at Berkadia’s Atlanta office, represented the buyer RADCO Investments, LLC on the deal and worked with David Oakley, partner in Berkadia’s Birmingham office, who represented the seller Mission Galleria, LLC. “RADCO recognized in Mission Galleria an excellent value-add opportunity buoyed by the adjacent development of SunTrust Park, and moved expeditiously to get this done,” said Mays. “A deal of this size and complexity would have never come to fruition without the collaboration of our Southeastern offices using their creativity and leveraging existing relationships within the region,” said Brent Long, president of Berkadia at headquarters in Phoenix. Mission Galleria is minutes from shopping and entertainment venues. The apartments are within walking distance and adjacent to SunTrust Park – future home of the Atlanta Braves slated to open in 2017 at an estimated cost of more than $600 million, seating more than 40,000. “Major developments like the Braves’ SunTrust Park in Cobb County bring additional development opportunities creating a domino effect,” Vetter explained. "Buyer and seller were exceptional to deal with and we were excited to bring the two relationships together for a successful transaction – the first of many our Atlanta team will deliver and I'm thrilled to be a part of their positive momentum,” Oakley said Built in 1975 and situated on more than 25 acres, Mission Galleria was 85 percent leased at the time of the sale.

Berkadia Closes on 825 Units in Hoover for $63,347,000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Berkadia, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of the Hoover 3 Portfolio, an 825-unit portfolio comprised of three properties -- Park at Galleria, Place at Galleria, and Renaissance at Galleria -- that are all located in Hoover for $63,347,000 or $76,784.24 per unit. David Oakley, partner, David Etchison, senior vice president, and Royce Emerson, senior vice president, based in the Berkadia Alabama office, negotiated the sale of the Hoover 3 Portfolio representing the seller, CLK Properties. With a mixture of Class "A" and Class "B" communities, these properties possess outstanding location fundamentals with a complementing blend of early 2000s, mid-1990s, and redeveloped 1970s product. The buyer was Intercapital Partners Ltd. based in Chicago, IL. A selection of photos are available at - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8mobj2h3mh7e3oi/AADgCpE6NC0X0aXQ50BX6miga?dl=0

NAI Realvest negotiates $680,000 investment sale of former Canine Training facility near Orlando Airport

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated an investment sale of the former Canine Training Facility at 10806 Palmbay Drive in Orlando’s Airport Industrial Park. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest and associate Kristen Kemp negotiated the $680,000 sale price for the 8,425 square foot facility representing the seller, Seattle-based Lisa M Lecky, Trustee of the Victor Vierra Marciel Sr. Credit Trust. Matt Fitzgibbon of Fitzgibbon Alexander represented the local buyer, National Canine RE, LLC, who purchased the property for investment and redevelopment.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Expands its Global Service to include Professional Athletes

Orlando, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has expanded its global service to include assisting athletes and professionals relocating worldwide. Tiphany Weeks, recently named a luxury real estate specialist in the firm’s Dr. Phillips/Windermere Real Estate Gallery, will play a major role in the expansion. Roger Soderstrom, owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Weeks brings the team at Dr. Phillips/Windermere a background strong in sales and sales management. Weeks, who is married to a major league baseball player, will be globally representing athletes and professionals worldwide with their luxury real estate needs including primary and secondary residences as well as exclusive investment opportunities. Weeks holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a focus on professional sales from Southern University in Baton Rouge. She’s a former account manager for AT&T Mobility and was later a territory manager three plus years at Healthpoint Biotherapeutics where she achieved top sales status. She earned her Florida real estate license when relocating to Orlando from Vallejo Calif. a suburb of San Francisco near Napa Valley.

UCF Business Incubator in Winter Springs Welcomes Colombian Maintenance, Aircraft Operations Software Company

Winter Springs, Fla. --- Seico Technology LTDA, a 10-year old specialty software developer based in Bogota, Colombia, has opened U.S. operations in Winter Springs at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator facilities at 1511 E. State Road 434. Seico specializes in the development, marketing and implementation of software for maintenance, inventory and aviation operations control. Seico located its U.S. headquarters in Winter Springs to take advantage of the UCF Business Incubation Program’s “Soft Landing” program that provides foreign and out-of-state businesses a location from which to introduce their operations in the U.S. and Florida. Mauricio Orjuela Perez, general manager of Seico Technology, said he is delighted to open offices in Winter Springs. “Winter Springs provides a strategic location with more than sufficient market opportunities, as well as confidence to potential buyers,” Orjuela said.

Stoneybrook West Golf Club hosting Christmas Eve Golf and Breakfast

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. --- Stoneybrook West Golf Club at 15501 Towne Commons Blvd. in Winter Garden is hosting a Christmas Eve Golf and Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Steve Lindstrom, golf operations manager at Stoneybrook West, said customers can play a game of golf and enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for $27.95. Buffet highlights include Belgian waffles, glazed ham, omelets, pancakes, assorted bagels, fresh fruit, biscuits, orange juice, egg nog and fresh coffee. “Join us with your holiday guests for great breakfast and great golf,” Lindstrom said. Pre-book golf and breakfast reservations by calling 407-877-8533.

Emerson International negotiates new leases in Longwood and Winter Park, Expansion in Maitland

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated four leases — One in Longwood at Sanlando Center, Two in Winter Park at Louisiana Office Park and an expansion lease in Maitland all totaling 23,676 square feet. Kenneth Koch, director of leasing at Emerson International, negotiated a lease with KEPRO, a medical management health cost containment firm to occupy 3,655 square feet at Sanlando Center, 2170 W. S.R. 434 in Longwood. The Tenant was represented by Chris Sproles of CBRE. At the same time Emerson International leasing associate Zac Starkey negotiated two lease agreements at Louisiana Office Park – one with Caldwell Marketing Media for 2,165 square feet in the 1133 Louisiana Ave. building, and the other with Coralia Leets Jewelry Design who leased 1,191 square feet in the 1155 Louisiana Ave. building. Caldwell Marketing Media was represented by Mike Grant of Central Florida Realty and Coralia Leets Jewelry Design was represented by Graham Grindstaff of Colliers International. Starkey also negotiated an expansion lease with EPOCOS TDK the tenant who now occupies 16,665 square feet at 2600 Maitland Center Parkway in Maitland Center. The Tenant was represented by Anne Spencer of Cushman & Wakefield. 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.

Royal Oak Homes to Open New Community offering 143 Homesites at Eagle Point in Groveland early next year

GROVELAND, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes has acquired 143 home sites in the community of Eagle Pointe off of Silver Eagle Road in Groveland. Matt Orosz, co-president at Royal Oak Homes, said the homesites at Eagle Point will be completed and ready for new home construction in January. New Royal Oak homes in Eagle Point will range from approximately 1,600 square feet and base-priced from the $160s, Orosz said. “We are continuing to focus on the traditionally underserved market of homes ranging from $160-180,000 in well located areas,” said Orosz.

DEL WEBB ORLANDO RAISES MORE THAN $4,000 FOR SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS PROGRAM

ORLANDO, Fla. – Del Webb Orlando recently raised more than $4,000 to help support the Southeastern Guide Dogs and their Paws for Patriots program. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in the north Florida region, said the funds were raised during an October fundraising walk held at the community located south of Orlando near Disney. Southeastern Guide Dogs, based in Palmetto, Fla., has placed more than 2,800 dogs with visually impaired people nationwide and the organization also has their Paws for Patriots program which trains dogs to assist veterans. The highly trained dogs not only help veterans regain confidence, but some become facility therapy dogs at military hospitals. Del Webb Orlando residents, family and friends participated in the walk, Strickler said, adding that the active, over 55 community – with many residents who are veterans – will continue to maintain their partnership with Southeastern Guide Dogs and Paws for Patriots.

Ashton Woods Homes Opens Peachtree Park in Windermere Area

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes recently opened its newest community of Peachtree Park, located in the Windermere region off Reams Rd. and Center Drive, two miles from SR 535. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said there are 28 home sites in the community surrounded by nature preserve. Homes by Ashton Woods priced from $309,990 to $379,990 and ranging from 2,104 square feet of living area to 3,315 square feet, feature unique designs and Key West-style architecture. The neighborhood has lawn maintenance included, Roche said, adding, “so homeowners have more time to do the things they love – like visiting nearby Disney World.” Set among the lakes in Windermere, “Peachtree Park is an ideal setting to call home,” Roche said. The Bimini model, with four bedrooms, game room, three-and-a-half baths in 3,315 square feet of living area is open, ready for viewing and priced from $379,990.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease of 10,600 Square Feet for a New Balance Outlet in the Attractions area of US 192 in Kissimmee

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long term retail lease of 10,600 rentable square feet for New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. at 5881 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. (US 192) in Kissimmee. Paul P. Partyka and Juan Jimenez – the Partyka Group at NAI Realvest – negotiated the transaction representing the tenant New Balance who is opening a new outlet at the facility. The landlord is Hickman Properties LLC. In other business in the area, Partyka and Jimenez represented the tenant Studio 192 Barbershop who leased 1,600 square feet at 4807 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Suite A-106. The landlord RAMCO HHF Kissimmee LLC was represented by JJ Bujalski of Ramco-Gershenson, Inc.

Covian Consulting Earns Contract to Evaluate Osceola School Grants

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Covian Consulting, which helps institutions, community-based organizations and small businesses create and manage research, program evaluation, communication strategies, and staff development programs, recently earned a contract from the Osceola County School Board to provide Grant Program Evaluation Services. Maritza Concha, Ph.D., a principal at Covian Consulting, said grants from government agencies and private sources often require outside evaluation services when such evaluation requires special expertise or is too demanding for current fulltime staff to accomplish effectively. Dr. Concha said her contract can include work in staff development and training in the requirements of the approved grant applications, program review to determine the need for improvement or to identify what assistance may be needed. Dr. Concha said Covian’s scope of services could include behavioral intervention programs, programs for exceptional students and parent education programs as well as a host of student-related programs. “We may be involved with student safety, substance abuse and violence prevention programs, dropout prevention, after school programs, special initiatives to improve academic achievement and early childhood initiatives,” Dr. Concha said. Other programs can include emergency response and crisis management, language acquisition and dual language programs, counseling, adult education and career and technical education. “Grant programs today stress accountability and require detailed, well-organized efforts to monitor their effectiveness,” Dr. Concha explained. Covian Consulting is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two Sales Totaling $2.13 Million for Prime Retail Properties in Winter Garden and Clermont

ORLANDO, Fla. – The NAI Realvest retail team – Matt Cichocki, Kevin O’Connor and Mitch Heidrich -- recently negotiated the sales of two retail properties in Winter Garden and Clermont totaling $2,130,000.00. Both transactions involved excess property owned by seller, Branch Banking & Trust Company of Winston-Salem, N.C., represented by the NAI Realvest team. Jason J. Sotto, D.M.D. Pediatric Dentistry was the buyer of the 3,659 square foot former bank building located at 3650 Winter Garden-Vineland Road. The dentist paid $1,300,000 for the property and intends to renovate the facility to move his existing practice there. Michael and Mary Ann Ladisa were the local buyers of a 1.29 acre vacant parcel located at the corner of US Hwy 27 and Johns Lake Rd. in Clermont. They intend to develop the site as a Culver’s restaurant. The purchase price was $830,000 and the buyers were represented by Bobby Palta of CBRE.

Five-Bedroom Home at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club Sells For More than $2 Million

ORLANDO, Fla. --- A five-bedroom home on a wooded corner lot near the golf course at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club recently sold for $2,075,000. Dennis Hogan, international marketing specialist at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the home at 9421 Sloane Street brought an unusually high sale price for its location off the golf course. “The home is certainly striking, with a courtyard pool surrounded by a large outdoor living area, many green features and a gourmet kitchen,” Hogan said. The two-story luxury home overlooks a heavily forested nature preserve with 6,100 square feet of living space and an Old World architectural theme.

Lennar Names Land Acquisition Manager for Tampa Region

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division recently hired investment management specialist Baylen Dahl as its land acquisition manager for the Tampa Bay region. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Dahl has more than 10 years of experience in large scale acquisitions, real estate investment management and private equity. Dahl was most recently director of investor relations at Forge Capital Partners and also is owner / operator of a real estate investment firm specializing in brokerage of large tracts of land in Florida, Georgia and Western U.S. In his new role at Lennar, Dahl will be responsible for acquiring land for new home communities from prospecting to closing.

NAI Realvest negotiates five industrial leases in 20 days totaling more than 150,800 square feet in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated five industrial leases, including office/warehouse space, for a total of 150,868 square feet in less than 20 days at industrial facilities in Orlando. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal at NAI Realvest, brokered two new lease agreements for office/warehouse space at 5612 Carder Road representing the landlord Freese Management of Oviedo. Precision Gutters LLC leased 5,100 square feet in Suite 2B and Stone Plus of Florida LLC leased Suite C with 3,700 square feet. Kelley also brokered a renewal lease of 102,275 square feet at 3362 All American Blvd. in northwest Orlando. Jacksonville-based Manning Building Supplies, Inc. is the tenant and Smyth Enterprises, Inc. is the landlord. At 6870 Shadowridge Drive, Kelley and Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West CCIM brokered a renewal and expansion lease on behalf of landlord Semoran Commerce Center LLC. The tenant, Magellan Behavioral Health, Inc. renewed its current lease of 27,867 square feet and closed on an expansion lease of an additional 10,096 square feet for a total occupancy of 37,963 square feet. Jamie Smith of Cassidy Turley represented the tenant. At South Park Business Center Kelley represented the landlord in a lease agreement for 1,830 square feet in Unit 109 at 8600 Commodity Circle. Imagine Enterprises International, Inc., an event planning firm, is the new tenant.

New Four-Bedroom model home at Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe Showcases Lennar’s Open Plan design in a New Light

Tampa, Fla. --- The new model home at Lennar’s Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe just north of New Tampa is a showcase of the open plan design in an efficient family townhome with four bedrooms. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said 88 new town homes are planned at Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe that range from 1,178 square feet of living area to 1,612 square feet. Priced from the $130s--complete with Lennar’s popular “Everything’s Included” pledge--Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe may offer the very best family home value in Central Florida, Metheny said. But it’s Lennar’s open plan design that grabs the attention. Start with the Nottingham model. It’s unique first floor entry porch and foyer doesn’t feel anything like your typical townhome. The front door opens into transitional family space---a foyer, the family and dining rooms served by the wraparound kitchen, an adjoining café, and a closet to serve a busy family coming home from school, work or shopping---or dashing out the door. The dining room expands into the huge family room with a covered lanai beyond that totaling 300 square feet for family gatherings or parties with friends. One bedroom located just off the kitchen downstairs will seem perfect for a teenager, or even more perfect as a quiet den, hobby room or office. Upstairs, a large master suite and private bath is located at one end for privacy with two adjoining bedrooms and their shared bath at the other. A passageway with utility closets, a washer and dryer present the perfect buffer between parental private space and children’s bedrooms. The Nottingham model is priced from $169,990. The affordable pricing comes with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge that offers a selection of upgrades such as crown molding, granite countertops, wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and a highly rated energy efficiency package all for the one Lennar Homes price. Claridge Town Homes at Meadow Pointe is conveniently located within minutes of The Shops at Wiregrass and Florida Hospital, and homeowners have access to three Meadow Pointe amenity centers. Meadow Pointe, an 1,800-acre designated CDD with several hundred acres of nature preserve, includes an array of amenities including swimming pools, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, nature trails and bike paths. Visit www.LennarTampa.com.

DRW Life Skills Institute Launches Coaching School Division New Coaching School in Kissimmee, FL

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- DRW Life Skills Institute recently launched its Coaching School Division which facilitates the process of becoming a certified professional life skills coach by offering education, mentoring and guidance based on the standards established by the International Coach Federation (ICF). “Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential,” explained Dr. Wanda Bonet-Gascot, Founder and Coaching Program Director at DRW Life Skills Institute. According to a recent Forbes Magazine article, coaching is one of the hottest personal branding trends that will impact one’s success in 2015. “Companies are training their talented employees to adopt coaching skills to use in leading their teams,” said Dr. Bonet-Gascot. The executive coaching trend dates back to the 1970s, but the true manifestation of this movement will be explosive in 2015 and beyond. Embracing coaching now – in yourself and in your team members – is a competitive advantage, Dr Bonet-Gascot explained. "DRW Life Skills Institute is the best emotional intelligence and coaching education provider in Central Florida,” said Fibrofit Wellness Institute CEO Dr. Yarisa Bonet. DRW Life Skills Institute is a client member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program’s Kissimmee incubator. For more information on DRW Coaching School, please visit: www.drwinstitute.org

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completes design of the Vitamin Shoppe and Mattress Firm at Cortez Commons in Spring Hill

SPRING HILL, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers and Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed the design of two new retail chain stores – Vitamin Shoppe and Mattress Firm – at a new shopping center located on Mariner Blvd and SR 50 in Spring Hill. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci and Peterson, said the Vitamin Shoppe will be 2,250 square feet and the Mattress firm 4,678 square feet of retail space. Construction is already underway at the new Cortez Commons shopping center being developed by Michael Collard Properties, Inc. of Winter Park, Peterson said. Cuhaci & Peterson headquartered in Orlando with offices in Philadelphia, is one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space with projects that total more than two million square feet annually.

NAI Realvest Negotiates $900,000 Sale of Industrial building in Altamonte Springs

ORLANDO, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently completed a $900,000 sale for a 15,272 square foot industrial building at 1005 Sunshine Lane off S.R. 434 in Altamonte Springs. Jason G. Toll, associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the seller, Tiger Investment Group, Inc. of Ft. Lauderdale. Winter Park-based Reeco Properties, LLLP is the buyer. The two-tenant industrial building was fully occupied at the time of the sale.

Kings Ridge Golf Instructor Earns Player Assessment Test Rating

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Justin Bliss, head golf instructor at Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont, recently passed the PGA Player Assessment Test, a key benchmark in his quest for PGA Golf Instructor certification. Nicholas Hall, general manager at Kings Ridge Golf Club, said Bliss took charge of the Kings Ridge Golf Academy last year that drew more than 50 junior golfers for the Academy’s Summer Golf Camps. “Justin Bliss is the perfect golf instructor,” Hall said. “His investment in our teaching programs is personal and passionate, and he is making us all proud,” Hall said. Kings Ridge Golf Club is located at 1950 Kings Ridge Boulevard in Clermont off U.S. 27 two miles south of State Road 50. Visit www.cgmgolfproperties.com.

Lennar Homes to open Gordon Lewis-designed Golf Course at Bonita National in January

Bonita Springs, Fla. -- Lennar Homes plans to open the 18-hole, Gordon Lewis-designed championship golf course in January at Bonita National Golf & Country Club, located east of Interstate 75 at the end of Bonita Beach Road East in Bonita Springs. That’s good news for home owners at Bonita National---every buyer is entitled to free membership in the golf club. David Meyers, Lennar’s director of sales and marketing in southwest Florida, said sales of much-anticipated Estate Homes are now underway at Bonita National. Priced from the $500s, Estate homes at Bonita National range in size from the three-bedroom, two-bath Napoli, with 2,394 square feet, to the 3,800 square foot Chapel Hill. “Interest in this community been off the charts since our preview opening,” Meyers said. “We’ve seen more prospective buyers at this stage of development than I can remember anywhere,” he said. The community will feature an expansive clubhouse, activity center, tennis, state-of-the-art fitness center and resort-style swimming pool at Bonita National around more than 200 acres of lakes, a conservation area and walking trails. Every home at Bonita National gets Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge, and everything means everything---luxury features and upgrades at no additional charge such as enhanced energy-efficient construction materials, crown molding, designer window coverings, marble windowsills, nickel satin-finish hardware, supreme Sherwin-Williams interior paint package, Mohawk flooring including upgraded carpet and padding. Visit Lennar.com/SWFLsave.

Flea World Site to Be Developed Into Mixed Use Project Marking One of Largest Redevelopments in Seminole County History

Sanford, Fla. – A development team is applying to the Seminole County Government for a mixed use development at current site of Flea World. The request, if approved, would convert Flea World with additional parcels totaling 118 acres to single family, apartments, office and retail uses. The land fronts both US Highway 17/92 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard at County Home Road. Syd Levy, the owner of the property, has put together a development team of Randall Morris, Principal, RM Strategies, Inc. in Winter Park, FL and Richard Wohlfarth, Principal, IBI Group, Maitland, FL. Paul Partyka, a partner at NAI Realvest, Orlando, FL will be the broker of record. “After over 37 years in operation with millions of customers visiting the storied Flea World and earlier Fun World, I must say it is with mixed emotions we are going to redevelop this land. I will keep Flea World, with our family of vendors, open during the development approval process throughout next year at least until January of 2016,” Levy said. “If approved, the 118-acre Reagan Center as proposed would have just under 400 apartments, 80 townhomes, 17 acres of commercial office, 18 acres of retail with thirty percent left as conservation,” said Paul Partyka. Partyka estimated that the property, currently valued at $15 million, would be worth an estimated over $200 million at build out. Co-Development Manager Richard Wohlfarth stated, “Reagan Center will be a real shot in the arm for the US 17/92 corridor.” Seminole County government has been looking for a catalyst project to spark redevelopment in the US 17/92 corridor. For 17 years Seminole County and the cities of Sanford, Lake Mary, Winter Springs and Casselberry have had a Community Redevelopment Agency in place. “I can think of no better location in the corridor to spur redevelopment. This large property is directly opposite Seminole County Government Operations Center and Seminole State College and bordered by two divided roadways with close access to the Seminole County Expressway,” said Co-Development Manager Randall Morris. The application for Reagan Center including a conceptual plan is being submitted this week. Public hearings on the proposal would be in the spring of 2015. Upon approval, out parcels and some residential sites will be available for immediate development. Flea World would remain open though the entire 2015 season. Owner Syd Levy has announced his interest in replacing Flea World with a new modern Farmers and Vendors Market/Mall at a new location, so as not to leave a void for the hundreds of dealers and thousands of customers who visit Flea World every week.

Serious Simulations Announces Opening and First I/ITSEC Show Opening of Headquarters in Central Florida Research Park

ORLANDO, Fla. - Serious Simulations, LLC an innovative provider of human motion based, mixed and virtual reality training systems for the military, law enforcement, firefighting, and medical communities hosted an opening ceremony at its new facility located in East Orlando’s Central Florida Research Park, (considered the world’s center for Modeling and Simulation (M&S)). Christopher Chambers, chief executive officer of serious simulations, LLC, said over 100 of the leading figures of the M&S community attended the ceremony, open house, and demonstrations. Chambers said his company also has its first product, "ready2trainTM", ready for sale or lease. The ready2trainTM system was exhibited at the 2014 I/ITSEC (Inter-service/Industry Training Simulation and Education Conference) that ended Dec.5. “We are the simulation industry’s newest member and are delighted to open this facility, co-located amongst the leading companies of the global simulation business, as well as the U.S. military’s simulation acquisition agencies,” Chambers said. “We are also fortunate to have the support of the UCF Business Incubation Program,” Chambers added. The company is growing rapidly and is looking to book sales immediately. Our first I/ITSEC exhibit next month will provide us a world-class venue to demonstrate our simulation products that save lives by training professionals in dangerous and complex tasks,” he explained. Gordon Hogan, director of the UCF Business Incubation Program said “We are happy to have Serious Simulations working at the Business Incubator. We have been impressed by their technology and management team and know that they will be a successful business.” Damon Curry, vice president for technology, operations and production at Serious Simulations, added, “We are moving rapidly, and glad our doors are officially open now. We are grateful for the Incubator's support in a great location in the middle of Research Park with both government and industry. The cross-pollination of ideas and expertise lead to better training solutions for military, commercial and emergency services personnel.”