Avalon Park Expects Record Crowds at Annual July 4th Celebration with Apple Pie Bake-Off, Hot Dog Eating Contest, and Fireworks

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Avalon Park in east Orlando is bracing for record crowds at its 9th annual Fourth of July celebration, slated for 5 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Avalon Park, located off Alafaya Trail south of Colonial Drive.

Stephanie Hodson, marketing director at Avalon Park Group, said family friendly activities will include more than 100 vendors, an apple pie bake-off sponsored by Davis Bakery and a bike parade sponsored by Eastside Cycling and the Avalon Park YMCA; live community performances, a hot dog eating contest sponsored by Pop Pop’s Ice Cream & More , a special ceremony honoring fallen Soldier Cpl. Patrick Deans, a home run derby sponsored by Brianto’s Original Hoagies and Avalon Park Baseball, and fireworks with special 3D glasses sponsored by Avalon Town Center Realty.

Admission to the event is free and there is ample parking, Hodson said. Guests are advised to arrive early and bring blankets and folding chairs.

“We anticipate a big crowd,” Hodson said.

Celebration Golf Management Starts Construction of State-of-the-Art Teaching and Fitting Studio at Celebration Golf Club

CELEBRATION, FL. --- Celebration Golf Management, Inc., (CGM) which owns and operates six golf clubs in the Central Florida area, has started construction of a $500,000 teaching and custom club fitting facility at Celebration Golf Club in Celebration.

Kenny Nairn, executive vice president of golf for CGM and golf director at Celebration Golf Club, said the center will be featuring PING n-Flight fitting software, launch monitors and the latest in interchangeable fitting equipment. Nairn was part of the n-Flight software pilot program that has developed into an incredible consumer experience and comprehensive player tool, he said.

The 2,100 square foot facility is scheduled to open at Celebration Golf Club this summer.
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For more information about this press release contact: Kenny Nairn, Scottish PGA Golf Professional / EVP of Golf Celebration Golf Management, Inc. 407-566-9877; knairn@celebrationgolf.com; Gene Garrote, President, Celebration Golf Management, Inc. 407-566-1045

Golden Bear Golf Club in Windermere Promotes Dan Rabaja to First Assistant Pro

CELEBRATION, Fla. –Golden Bear Golf Club at Keene’s Point in Windermere has promoted Dan Rabaja to first assistant pro.

Matthew Allen, head golf pro at Golden Bear Golf Club, said Rabaja joined Golden Bear nine months ago as an associate in the pro shop. He has five years of experience in the golf industry.

Golden Bear Golf Club is owned and operated by Celebration Golf Management headed by Gene Garrote.
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For media information, contact: Gene Garrote, President, Celebration Golf Management, 407-566-1045; Matthew Allen, Head Golf Pro, Golden Bear Golf Club, 407-876-5775 ext 41

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Releases Celebration Area Market Trends Report, Shows Home Sales Steady, Prices Lower

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently released its 2010 Celebration Area Market Trends Report, which shows a steady increase in luxury home sales and listings in 2010 over 2009 figures.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said 137 luxury homes and 73 condominiums and town homes sold in Celebration in 2010.

In 2009, 128 luxury homes and 93 condominiums and town homes sold.

Monica Nielsen (http://monicasellsflorida.com/), a resident of Celebration and International Luxury Home Specialist with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty prepared the study, Soderstrom said.

Sixty-seven homes priced under $400,000 sold for an average of $302,000 in 2010, down from an average of $320,000 in 2009.

Seventy homes priced over $400,000 sold for an average of $613,000 in 2010, down from $662,000 in 2009.

Average sale prices for town homes and condominiums declined from $186,000 in 2009 to $163,000 in 2010.

The most expensive home in 2009 sold for $3.15 million. In 2010, the most expensive home sold for $1.853 million.

To view the Celebration Area Market Trends Report visit http://www.stirlingsir.com/eflyers/pr/02142011/celebration.html
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For more information contact:Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-581-7890 Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty: Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates three performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Celebration Golf Management Promoted Barbara Bearss Reservations Supervisor for all of its public golf courses

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Celebration Golf Management, Inc. has promoted Barbara Bearss to reservations supervisor for all of their public golf courses.

Gene Garrote, president and principal of Celebration Golf Management, said Bearss formerly served as a marketing assistant.

Bearss joined Celebration Golf Management seven years ago, Garrote said. She has more than 14 years of experience in the golf industry.

In the Orlando area Celebration Golf Management owns and manages Legends Golf & Country Club in Clermont; The Golden Bear Club in Windermere; Kings Ridge in Clermont; Stoneybrook West in Winter Garden and Celebration Golf Club in Celebration.

The firm also owns and manages Crockett Ridge Golf Course in Kingsport, Tenn. and The International Club in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
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For media information, contact: Gene Garrote, President, Celebration Golf Management, 407-566-1045

Celebration Golf Launches Fairways for Warriors Golf Program to Help Wounded Vets

CELEBRATION - Celebration Golf Management, Inc., which owns and operates five golf clubs in the Central Florida area, has launched Fairways for Warriors, a 10-week program of intensive golf instruction to help wounded military veterans and their families.

Kenny Nairn, executive vice president of golf for Celebration Golf Management, said the Organization is offering the free intensive golf course instruction on Saturdays at one of its five clubs: Celebration Golf Club at Celebration, Stoneybrook West Golf Club in Winter Garden, Legends Golf Club and Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont, and Golden Bear Golf Club in Windermere.

Nairn said eight veterans have already joined the Fairways for Warriors program and he is expecting more veterans with their families at each event.

Fairways for Warriors is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) company focused on providing golf to wounded warriors. Tom Underdown is president, Bob Hurley and Alan Darty are directors. Visit http://www.fairwaysforwarriors.org/ for additional information.

“Golf professionals from each of our golf academies at each of our courses are providing the instruction for this wonderful organization,” Nairn said.
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For more information about this press release contact: Kenny Nairn, Scottish PGA Golf Professional / EVP of Golf Celebration Golf Management 407-566-9877; knairn@celebrationgolf.com; Gene Garrote, President, Celebration Golf Management, 407-566-1045

Celebration Golf Management Plans Statewide Expansion

CELEBRATION - Celebration Golf Management LLC, which operates the Celebration Golf Club and four others in the Central Florida area, plans to expand statewide within the next few years.

Gene Garrote, president and principal of Celebration Golf Management LLC, said the firm focuses on quality golf courses in primary visitor destinations.

In the Orlando area, Celebration Golf Management owns and manages Legends Golf & Country Club in Clermont; The Golden Bear Club in Windermere; Kings Ridge in Clermont; Stoneybrook West in Winter Garden and Celebration Golf Club in Celebration.

The firm also owns and manages Crockett Ridge Golf Course in Kingsport, Tenn. and The International Club in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

“The recession has impacted golf courses across the country and the golfing industry as a whole,” Garrote said. “Our management model incorporates current economic conditions and, as the economy improves, we anticipate substantial opportunities to expand our portfolio of managing and owning golf courses and golf clubs throughout the state,” Garrote explained.
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For more information, please contact:Gene Garrote, President, Celebration Golf Management, 407-566-1045Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Crossman & Company Named Exclusive Management, Leasing, and Marketing Representatives at Water Tower Place in Celebration

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, the Orlando real estate firm that ranks as one of the largest retail property specialists in the southeast, has been named exclusive property management, leasing and marketing representatives at Water Tower Place, a 124,000 square foot retail center located in Celebration in Osceola County.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said the firm has launched a major marketing campaign to reposition the retail center.

The campaign will start with a name change to Water Tower Shoppes at Celebration, Crossman said, and will include outdoor billboards on U.S. 192, extensive print and internet advertising and new signage.

Bruce Lyons will serve as the principal contact for management, leasing and marketing at Water Tower Shoppes at Celebration, Crossman added.
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For more information please contact:
John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

About Crossman & Company:
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Crossman & Company is a commercial real estate brokerage firm that specializes in the retail industry. Currently their portfolio under leasing and/or management exceeds 150 shopping centers throughout the Southeast US. Founded in 1990, Crossman & Company focuses solely on landlord representation and serves clients including Publix, PREIT, and GE. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Crossman & Company Named Exclusive Agent for Water Tower Place in Celebration, Fla.

ORLANDO – Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party leasing and management firms in the Southeast, has been named the exclusive agent for Water Tower Place, the iconic town center located in Celebration, Fla. Crossman & Company will be responsible for all leasing and management of the property.

“This landmark property serves as the neighborhood center for Celebration, as well as providing services and shopping alternatives for the surrounding area,” said John Crossman.

The property is located at the intersection of US Hwy. 192 and Celebration Avenue, the main entrance to Celebration, which was developed by The Walt Disney Company in the 1990s. “Its visibility, access from US Hwy. 192 and proximity to local theme parks and attractions makes this an ideal location,” Crossman added.

The property contains over 124,000 square feet of retail space including restaurants, service providers, retailers, banks and a gym. Crossman stated that because of the property’s location, design, history and the current market, it is an ideal time to take a fresh look at the property to determine what re-tenanting, uses and other changes will be the most valuable for the property as well as the local community and shoppers.

For more information please contact: John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com; Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Southern Division Next Generation Chair, 407-581-6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com; Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.com

Area Law Firm Teams Up with Beach 92.7 FM Radio to Sponsor Spectacular Two-Day Independence Day Festivities in Flagler

FLAGLER BEACH – The law firm of Rue & Ziffra once again is a sponsor of Flagler County’s annual Fourth of July Celebration July 3-4 at Flagler Beach and Palm Coast, with dazzling fireworks taking top billing on both days.

Because the 30-year-old personal-injury firm is teaming up with Flagler County’s Beach 92.7 FM radio station to sponsor the “All-American Fourth of July Weekend,” this year’s two-day fireworks display and festival is expected to be the biggest July 4th celebration in Flagler County’s history.

Rue & Ziffra President Allan L. Ziffra said his firm’s annual contribution to the event is part of their pledge to give back to local communities; with many local charities benefitting from the festivities.

“Once again, we’re proud to help sponsor this event,” he said. “It’s just another way of letting the residents know that we at Rue & Ziffra are committed to them and their causes.”

Rue & Ziffra will sponsor a roof-top beach party at Finns on the beach across from the Flagler Beach Pier on Saturday7-3. Live entertainment will be presented all day and Beach 92.7 will offer a chance to win a Tom Gibb Chevy truck and a Parker fishing boat. Fireworks will be launched from the Flagler Beach Pier at nightfall.

Additional Saturday events will include live Reggae music, a watermelon-eating contest, a corn-hole competition, a street festival, the Lil’ Kahuna and Tiny Tiki contests for boys and girls between 3 and 5, and a “Beach Ball Bash Parade,” sponsored by the Flagler Beach Rotary Club.
On Sunday 7-4, Rue & Ziffra will kick off a sunset tailgate party at 7 p.m. at Town Center’s Central Park in Palm Coast, and Beach 92.7 FM will provide music, activities and prizes.

Fireworks, presented by the Flagler County Rotary Club, will be launched from the pier beginning at 9 p.m. Those attending are encouraged to bring along blankets, lawn chairs and coolers, as concessions will be limited.

About Rue & Ziffra: Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra has served the Central Florida community for more than 30 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue & Ziffra has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange and Orange City.

For more information about this release, please contact: Allan L. Ziffra, President, Rue & Ziffra, 386-788-7700 or allanz@rueziffra.com; Shane Snipes, Promotions/Advertising Director, Rue & Ziffra, 386-788-7700 or shanes@rueziffra.com; Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-532-8862

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Associate Plays Key Role in Auction

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently honored senior business developer Troy Fletcher for his work in negotiating one of the firm’s most successful property auction agreements in 2009.

Fletcher, who joined Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in mid-2008, worked with developers to secure the agreement to auction off 27 luxury condominiums remaining for sale at Artisan Park condominiums in Celebration.

The auction, which was widely marketed throughout the U.S. and internationally, was a resounding success. All 27 condominiums were sold, generating more than $6 million in sales.

“Troy Fletcher is a talented, enthusiastic executive who is part of the company’s elite Workout Team that focuses on supporting builders, developers and lenders,” said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty.

For more information about this press release, contact:
Roger Soderstrom, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Founder/Owner 407-588-1260
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Auction of 27 Luxury Condominiums 10 to be sold absolute Aug. 1 at Artisan Park at Celebration

Worldwide Auction Realty Services to Host Auction of 27 Luxury Condominiums 10 to be sold absolute Aug. 1 at Artisan Park at Celebration

CLERMONT, Fla. - Worldwide Auction Realty Services will conduct an auction Saturday, Aug. 1, to sell 27 remaining condominium, residences at Artisan Park, a luxury community of over 300 new condominium homes located at Celebration in Osceola County.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, the company representing the property, said the condominiums were formerly listed for sale at prices ranging from $480,000 to $600,000.

The auction is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Celebration Hotel.

Suggested opening bids for the luxury units have been set at $95,000, Soderstrom said.
Many of the condominiums to be auctioned feature waterfront settings, he added.

Artisan Park features a community clubhouse with a swimming pool, cabana, restaurants and other amenities. A brochure can be downloaded and property photos viewed online by visiting www.AuctionAtCelebration.com

Prospective bidders are being invited to register and participate in the auction in person at Artisan Park, by telephone at 800.327.1048, or World Wide Auction Realty Services will accept bids online at (www.AuctionAtCelebration.com).

For more information please contact:
Jon or Lori Chipps, World Wide Auction Realty Services 800.327.1048; http://www.stirlingsir.com/;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407.644.4142