Lennar Unveils New “Everything’s Included Homes”–Upgrades at no extra charge–in all Tampa Bay Area Communities including Lakeland

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar has unveiled its “Everything’s Included Homes” with valuable upgrades and extras in each of its 17 Tampa Bay area communities including Pasco County and Lakeland.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said “Everything’s Included” means just that--- all appliances – refrigerator, range, microwave, washer and dryer, along with upgraded counters, cabinetry, crown moulding and even premium landscaping.

“In these economic times, homebuyers are doing everything they can to stretch their dollars,”
Metheny said. “Lennar’s ‘Everything’s Included Homes’ afford homebuyers more upgrades and extras at no additional charge, along with record low pricing and interest rates,” he added.

Lennar sells single-family homes and town homes priced from under $100,000 to more than $300,000 in 17 communities in the Tampa Bay region, including active adult communities.

Visit www.Lennar.com.
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For more information, contact: Francine Miller, Director of Sales & Marketing Lennar-Tampa Region, 727-479-1747; Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sublease for 15,000 square foot warehouse facility in Lakeland

MAITLAND – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new sublease agreement for the 15,000 square foot warehouse facility and its 4.26-acre site at 3306 Waterfield Rd. off U.S. 98 and Polk Parkway in Lakeland.

Sean DuPree CCIM, associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the sublessor Atlantic Acquisition Corp. d/b/a Allied Building Products, headquartered in East Rutherford, N.J.

The tenant, subleasing the property for two-and-a-half years, is The Car Book, Inc. of Auburndale, Fla.

For more information contact: Sean DuPree, CCIM, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989; sdupree@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com

About NAI Realvest: NAI Realvest in Orlando, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

Crossman & Company's Courtney Kowalchuk completes 11 leases in Three Counties totaling over 21,000sf

ORLANDO - Courtney Kowalchuk, senior leasing associate at Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently closed on 11 lease transactions that total 21,147 square feet of retail and office space in Winter Park, Orlando, Lakeland, and Tampa.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said Kowalchuk negotiated the 11 transactions representing the landlords of the shopping centers including two centers–City Plaza at Tampa Palms and Aloma Shopping Center–that Crossman & Company is redeveloping--
•Kowalchuk negotiated a five-year lease of 790 square feet with TP Nails & Spa in City Plaza at Tampa Palms at 16055 Tampa Palms Blvd.;

•Charles Jewelers renewed its lease at City Plaza at Tampa Palms for another five years. They occupy 1,395 square feet.

•Lemon Lime d/b/a Ciccio & Tony’s The Lodge renewed the lease of 4,285 square feet for five years at 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. in City Plaza at Tampa Palms;

•At 2203 Aloma Ave. in the Aloma Shopping Center in Winter Park, Kowalchuk negotiated a 10-year lease for 3,576 square feet with Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, which will be the first location of Tijuana Flat’s new concept featuring a Cajun/Creole menu.

•Aloma Cinema Grill signed a new five-year lease for 1,250 square feet to expand from the 13,134 square feet it already occupies at Aloma Shopping Center;

•Dance Unique renewed its lease of 1,200 square feet for three years at Aloma Shopping Center and

•Leslie’s Pool Mart renewed its lease of 2,700 square feet for three years at Aloma Shopping Center;

•Also in Winter Park at nearby Shoppes of Aloma, T-Mobile carrier Hello Unlimited is a new tenant who leased 1,273 square feet for three years at 2250 Aloma Ave.

•In Lakeland at Southgate Shopping Center, 2,328 square feet was leased for three years by new tenant Top USA Gold Buyers at 2803 S. Florida Ave.

•The UPS Store leased 1,450 square feet for five years at 2423 S.Orange Ave. in Orange Avenue Square. Mike McNeil of BizBroker USA represented the tenant.

•Primary Care Associates leased 1,300 square feet in suite C in the Orlando Medical & Professional Complex at 1140 SR 436.

For more information contact: Courtney Kowalchuk, Senior Associate Crossman & Company, 407-581-6232; ckowalchuk@crossmanco.com; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Crossman & Company Senior Associate Negotiates Seven New Retail Leases at Publix Shopping centers, more than 61,000 square feet in less than 60 days

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently negotiated seven new lease agreements at for a total of 61,450 square feet of retail space in less than 60 days.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said senior associate Justin Greider negotiated all seven transactions on behalf of the landlord at Publix anchored centers in Orange, Seminole, Polk and Collier counties. All of the centers are part of the 10.4 million square foot Publix-owned shopping center portfolio handled by Crossman & Company.

At Imperial Lakes Plaza, 2040 Shepherd Rd. in Mulberry, Polk County, Joshua’s Diner leased 3,200 square feet and Dollar Shop leased 2,800 square feet;

Coast Dental leased 1,403 square feet at Plantation Square located at 5375 N. Socrum Loop Rd. in Lakeland;

Tri-Florida Pool Supply leased 1,247 square feet at the Publix in the Highlands shopping center located at 2125 E. C.R. 540A in Lakeland;

Passion Nail and Spa leased 1,200 square feet at Palm Springs Crossing, 482 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs. Michael Battey of CBRE Orlando represented the tenant;

Halloween Express subleased space in two retail centers commencing July 1 for the Halloween season (six months) – at Tarpon Springs Plaza, 2415 Tarpon Bay Blvd. in Naples, 21,600 square feet and 30,000 square feet at Colonial Marketplace, 2999A E. Colonial Drive in Orlando.
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For more information, contact: Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Florida Next Generation Chair, 407-581-6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

About Crossman & Company: 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 Southeastern US. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company focuses solely on landlord representation and services clients that include Publix, PREIT, and GE. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

ABD Development Participates in Lakeland’s Snowbird Extravaganza

ORLANDO - ABD Development Company, which is developing Providence Golf & Country Club Community in Davenport, recently participated in the Snowbird Extravaganza at the Lakeland Center.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, said the Snowbird Extravaganza focuses on northern visitors to Florida, particularly Canadians.

The Snowbird Extravaganza is ranked as one of the largest mature lifestyle shows in North America.

For more information, contact:

Alene Raskin, Marketing Manager, ABD Development Company 407-370-6400;

David Kohn, President, ABD Development Company 407-370-6400

Melrose Sovereign Companies Named by Hampton Hills Town Homes in Lakeland as its Management Agency

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Melrose-Sovereign Companies, the Orlando-based property and asset management firm that ranks as one of the largest and most active in Florida, was recently named community management agency for Hampton Hills Town Homes, a Maronda Homes community located at 3803 Hamstead Ln. in Lakeland south of Sleepy Hill Rd. near Mall Hill Rd. off I-4 at U.S. 98.

Robin Travers, director of business development for Melrose-Sovereign Companies, said Hampton Hills Town Home community includes 224 town homes priced from the $100s.

Melrose-Sovereign Companies manages properties for more than 170 developers, investors and owners throughout Florida. The firm now has eight offices throughout the state.
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For more information contact:
Jack B. Hanson, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, jhanson@melrose-sovereign.com

Ellen G. Lumpkin, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, elumpkin@melrose-sovereign.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, Lvershelco@aol.com

Lennar to Host Realtor Luncheons in New Tampa, Brandon and Lakeland, Oct. 27

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar will host luncheons for area Realtors in New Tampa, Brandon, and Lakeland Oct. 27 to unveil new Realtor incentives and plans to appeal to first-time home buyers hoping to take advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit before the Nov. 30 deadline.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the luncheons, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be held at Cantina Laredo in New Tampa; Green Iguana in Brandon/Riverview and at TGI Friday’s in Lakeland.

Area Realtors and brokers are invited to the free luncheons and if they attend one of the luncheons they will receive a $2,500 bonus certificate to use if they sell and close a home by Nov. 24, Metheny said.

For more information, contact:
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar, 888-317-7489;
Robert Jesski, Vice President of Sales Lennar-Central Florida; 888-317-7489
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 813-769-5277 ext. 1653
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Lennar to Launch Second Annual ‘Top Model’ Showcase July 25 through Aug. 24 with Buyer Incentives including Granite and Steel Kitchens

Lennar to Launch Second Annual ‘Top Model’ Showcase July 25 through Aug. 24 with Buyer Incentives including Granite and Steel Kitchens

MELBOURNE, Fla. - Lennar, Florida’s leading homebuilder, reported it will host its second annual “Top Models” showcase starting July 25 through Aug. 24 in all 35 Lennar communities throughout the Tampa Bay, Orlando and Space Coast regions.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida division, said 185 Lennar Top Model homes sold during the Top Models showcase last year.

This year, only 150 Top Model homes were selected to be part of the showcase campaign.
“This year we are offering a wide range of special incentives that include granite kitchen countertops, clean steel appliances, hardwood flooring and crown molding in select Top Model showcase homes in all our communities,” Metheny said.

Metheny said low interest rates with low monthly payments and low down payment requirements offer an added incentive, and first time home buyers can take advantage of the government’s $8,000 tax incentive.

“The housing industry in Florida has changed dramatically and there probably won’t ever be a better time to buy a new home than today,” Metheny said.

For more information, contact:
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar, 888-317-7489
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 888-317-7489
Robert Jesski, Lennar Vice President of Sales-Central Florida, 888-317-7489
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Lennar to Host Cheesecake Martini Happy Hour for Realtors to Premier Select “Submit Your Bid” Homes at Four Tampa Bay Area Communities in Hillsborough

Lennar to Host Cheesecake Martini Happy Hour for Realtors to Premier Select “Submit Your Bid” Homes at Four Tampa Bay Area Communities in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk Counties

TAMPA, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division will host a Cheesecake Martini Happy Hour for Tampa Bay-area Realtors from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10 at Eiland Park Town Homes, 6257 Maisie Rd. in Zephyrhills, at Summerfield Crossings, 12930 Jessup Watch Place in Riverview, Autumnwood Grove, 4256 Birch Pond Loop in Lakeland and at Cobblestone Landing, 603 Sandstone Drive in Lakeland.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said there will be prizes and food will be served. But the main event will be a preview of select town homes offered to home buyers on bids, Metheny said.

“Realtors are advising their clients in the bidding process for select town homes at Eiland Park and Summerfield Crossings,” Metheny said.

“We will be accepting bids on new town homes in both communities from Sunday, June 14 through Saturday, June 20, and we will announce the bid winners at 6 p.m. on June 20.”
Metheny said he expects as many as 50 Realtors at each event.

“This is an exciting option for new home buyers and we expect it will open the door for more than a few Realtors,” Metheny added.

For more information contact:
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar, 888-317-7489 or
Robert Jesski, Lennar Vice President of Sales-Central Florida, 888-317-7489;
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 888-317-7489;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Grubb and Ellis Commercial Florida negotiates new long term lease of 50,000 square foot industrial facility in Lakeland

Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida negotiates new long term lease of 50,000 square foot industrial facility in Lakeland

TAMPA, Fla. - Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida, associated with 200 Grubb & Ellis offices worldwide, recently negotiated a long-term lease of a 50,000 square foot industrial facility at 4920 S. Frontage Rd. in Lakeland.

Jan Boltres, CCIM and Mike Scott, principals and senior vice presidents at Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida, negotiated the lease agreement representing the landlord, RS Land Development, Inc., based in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

The new tenant is Lakeland-based RINCAT, LLC.

About Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida

Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida has 30 brokers divided among its Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne offices which serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis

Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies. With more than 130 owned and affiliate offices worldwide, Grubb & Ellis offers property owners, corporate occupants and investors comprehensive integrated real estate solutions, including transaction, management, consulting and investment advisory services supported by proprietary market research and extensive local market expertise.

Grubb & Ellis and its subsidiaries are leading sponsors of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including tax-deferred 1031 tenant-in-common (TIC) exchanges; public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate investment funds. As of March 31, 2008, more than $3.4 billion in investor equity has been raised for these investment programs. The company and its subsidiaries currently manage a growing portfolio of more than 218 million square feet of real estate. In 2007, Grubb & Ellis was selected from among 15,000 vendors as Microsoft

Contacts:

Jan Boltres, CCIM,Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida - 813-639-1111 ext 270

Michael Scott, Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida - 813-639-1111 ext 275

Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142