PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange, recently opened two ready-to-move-in luxury homes.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development in South Daytona Beach, developer of The Villages of Royal Palm, said two additional ready-to-move-in luxury homes are under construction now and three more will get underway before the end of the year.
Schwartz said all seven homes will range in size from 1,300 square feet of living space to 2,200 square feet priced from the $160s.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Integrity Home Loan has unique Reverse Mortgage Solution for Active Adults Who Want to Sell Their Home and Retire to Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida has a unique solution for active adults who need to sell their family home in order to retire to Florida: a reverse mortgage will give them the cash now to invest in a retirement home.
Cynthia J. Meyers, CSA, CLTC, senior mortgage specialist at Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida working out of Integrity’s Pine Street office in downtown Orlando, said that for some active adults a reverse mortgage makes the perfect solution.
“Many active adults have put off retirement until they can sell their home up north and use the proceeds to buy a retirement home in Florida,” Meyers said.
“A reverse mortgage can make a great deal of sense,” Meyers explained. “They can use the cash to buy a retirement home now instead of waiting until the real estate market fully recovers,” she said.
Homes that are currently listed for sale won’t qualify. But the solution to that dilemma is simple, Meyers said.
“To qualify for a reverse mortgage the home must be removed from the MLS listing of homes for sale,” Meyers explained. “After the reverse mortgage is approved, the home can be placed on the market for sale again,” she said.
“Once you move into a retirement home, it becomes a primary residence and it qualifies for a reverse mortgage,” Meyers said. “And the owner can use the reverse mortgage money to start enjoying their retirement now,” she added.
Reverse mortgages may not work for everyone, Meyers cautioned.
Generally speaking, reverse mortgages have suffered the same fate as the housing market.
“The amount of equity available to a senior home owner has been affected by the general decline in housing values. In some cases that loss of equity is too much for the program to work,” Meyers said.
“However, working with their financial advisors, we can develop attractive alternatives. Many homeowners are choosing to eliminate their monthly mortgage expenses and take advantage of reverse mortgages,” she said.
Meyers said the reverse mortgage option is one solution to the retirement dilemma that should be considered with trusted financial advisors.
“For couples who are in the right position, a reverse mortgage can pave the way to their dream of Florida retirement, or retirement anywhere else,” Meyers said.
Cynthia J. Meyers, CSA, CLTC, senior mortgage specialist at Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida working out of Integrity’s Pine Street office in downtown Orlando, said that for some active adults a reverse mortgage makes the perfect solution.
“Many active adults have put off retirement until they can sell their home up north and use the proceeds to buy a retirement home in Florida,” Meyers said.
“A reverse mortgage can make a great deal of sense,” Meyers explained. “They can use the cash to buy a retirement home now instead of waiting until the real estate market fully recovers,” she said.
Homes that are currently listed for sale won’t qualify. But the solution to that dilemma is simple, Meyers said.
“To qualify for a reverse mortgage the home must be removed from the MLS listing of homes for sale,” Meyers explained. “After the reverse mortgage is approved, the home can be placed on the market for sale again,” she said.
“Once you move into a retirement home, it becomes a primary residence and it qualifies for a reverse mortgage,” Meyers said. “And the owner can use the reverse mortgage money to start enjoying their retirement now,” she added.
Reverse mortgages may not work for everyone, Meyers cautioned.
Generally speaking, reverse mortgages have suffered the same fate as the housing market.
“The amount of equity available to a senior home owner has been affected by the general decline in housing values. In some cases that loss of equity is too much for the program to work,” Meyers said.
“However, working with their financial advisors, we can develop attractive alternatives. Many homeowners are choosing to eliminate their monthly mortgage expenses and take advantage of reverse mortgages,” she said.
Meyers said the reverse mortgage option is one solution to the retirement dilemma that should be considered with trusted financial advisors.
“For couples who are in the right position, a reverse mortgage can pave the way to their dream of Florida retirement, or retirement anywhere else,” Meyers said.
Florida Business Incubator Association to host Bi-Annual Conference at University of Florida’s Florida Innovation Hub
ORLANDO, Fla., ---- The Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA), a professional network that includes 28 business incubators located throughout Florida, will host its bi-annual meeting on Thursday, June 7, at the Innovation Hub at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Dr. Tom O’Neal, president of the Florida Business Incubation Association and founder and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said nearly 30 business incubation programs in Florida will be represented at the meeting.
The conference will feature presentations on crowd source funding for startup businesses, Enterprise Florida programs to support and strengthen startup enterprises, global marketing, intellectual property, business models and commercialization of public research, O’Neal said.
Presenters include Jay Robinson, Director of Capital Programs at Enterprise Florida; Jamie Grooms, CEO of the Florida Institute for Commercialization of Public Research; Brian R. Stanton, Ph.D., former Director of the Division of Policy at the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Technology Transfer; Jorge Arce, Office Director of the U.S. Commercial Service; and Keith Allaun, managing director of Critical Point Solutions, LLC.
Dr. O’Neal said the conference will include tours of both the Innovation Hub and the University of Florida’s Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator.
“This is the largest gathering of business incubation professionals in Florida, and our mission is to support the development of start-up firms that can create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, commercialize new technologies, and strengthen local and national economies,” Dr. O’Neal said.
“The Florida Business Incubation Association has grown steadily since its launch in 1998 and together we rank as one of the most important economic development initiatives in Florida,” he said.
About the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA)
Since its founding in 1998, the Florida Business Incubation Association has held bi-annual statewide meetings and been a unified voice for all the Florida incubators. FBIA plays an integral role in developing and/or identifying programs that help provide greater service to incubator clients. FBIA teams up annually with the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) to award conference scholarship opportunities to Florida incubation professionals. Please visit FBIA on www.fbiaonline.org or on Facebook on www.facebook.com/FLBIA
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Dr. Tom O’Neal, president of the Florida Business Incubation Association and founder and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said nearly 30 business incubation programs in Florida will be represented at the meeting.
The conference will feature presentations on crowd source funding for startup businesses, Enterprise Florida programs to support and strengthen startup enterprises, global marketing, intellectual property, business models and commercialization of public research, O’Neal said.
Presenters include Jay Robinson, Director of Capital Programs at Enterprise Florida; Jamie Grooms, CEO of the Florida Institute for Commercialization of Public Research; Brian R. Stanton, Ph.D., former Director of the Division of Policy at the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Technology Transfer; Jorge Arce, Office Director of the U.S. Commercial Service; and Keith Allaun, managing director of Critical Point Solutions, LLC.
Dr. O’Neal said the conference will include tours of both the Innovation Hub and the University of Florida’s Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator.
“This is the largest gathering of business incubation professionals in Florida, and our mission is to support the development of start-up firms that can create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, commercialize new technologies, and strengthen local and national economies,” Dr. O’Neal said.
“The Florida Business Incubation Association has grown steadily since its launch in 1998 and together we rank as one of the most important economic development initiatives in Florida,” he said.
About the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA)
Since its founding in 1998, the Florida Business Incubation Association has held bi-annual statewide meetings and been a unified voice for all the Florida incubators. FBIA plays an integral role in developing and/or identifying programs that help provide greater service to incubator clients. FBIA teams up annually with the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) to award conference scholarship opportunities to Florida incubation professionals. Please visit FBIA on www.fbiaonline.org or on Facebook on www.facebook.com/FLBIA
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
June Island Party at Home of Hawaiian Tropic Founder to Benefit Animals at Halifax Humane Society
ORMOND BEACH – The law firm of Rue & Ziffra – a sponsor of Halifax Humane Society’s June 2 “Island Party” – is asking the community to join them in supporting the fundraiser at the home of Hawaiian Tropic founder Ron Rice.
The $50-a-person event, which is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m., will feature live music from The Alex Kinsey Band, as well as silent auction and raffle items, island fare from Amber Jewel’s Catering, beer, wine and specialty cocktails.
“We’re excited to sponsor this event to help the humane society raise much-needed funds for the animals in their care,” said Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the Port Orange-based firm.
The proceeds will be used to provide housing and medical care, low-cost spays and neuters, grief counseling, humane education, free adoptions for those who can’t afford standard fees, and an emergency fund to help prevent owner give-ups.
Parking for the event will be provided behind LuLu's Oceanside Grill at 30 S. Atlantic Ave., and a shuttle will take guests to and from the party. For more information, or to reserve tickets, visit www.HHSIslandParty.org.
Last year’s inaugural “Island Party” raised more than $20,000 for the animal shelter, and organizers say they hope to best than amount by $15,000 this year.
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 25 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, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.
The $50-a-person event, which is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m., will feature live music from The Alex Kinsey Band, as well as silent auction and raffle items, island fare from Amber Jewel’s Catering, beer, wine and specialty cocktails.
“We’re excited to sponsor this event to help the humane society raise much-needed funds for the animals in their care,” said Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the Port Orange-based firm.
The proceeds will be used to provide housing and medical care, low-cost spays and neuters, grief counseling, humane education, free adoptions for those who can’t afford standard fees, and an emergency fund to help prevent owner give-ups.
Parking for the event will be provided behind LuLu's Oceanside Grill at 30 S. Atlantic Ave., and a shuttle will take guests to and from the party. For more information, or to reserve tickets, visit www.HHSIslandParty.org.
Last year’s inaugural “Island Party” raised more than $20,000 for the animal shelter, and organizers say they hope to best than amount by $15,000 this year.
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 25 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, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Small Start up Businesses are Leading the Nation’s Economic Recovery
By Dr. Tom O’Neal
(Ed Note. Dr. Tom O’Neal associate vice president for Research and Commercialization at the University of Central Florida is founder and executive director of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and president of the Florida Business Incubation Assn.)
As America searches for solutions to its economic woes, one of the most innovative and productive job creating engines is being overlooked. It’s a case of not seeing the trees for the forest.
A recent national study came to a compelling conclusion nationwide, it’s the young, small startup companies that are creating the most new jobs — about three million annually. And if you look deeper, you will see that it’s a small number of small companies – usually young in their existence – creating these jobs.
Last year, the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program graduated more than 20 companies that are now succeeding with further assistance from the UCF programs such as GrowFL. And they are creating jobs.
Last year UCF accepted a record number of 64 new startup companies. Over the last 10 years, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 client companies that in 2011 accounted for more than 1,600 new jobs.
What kinds of businesses are these?
A St. Cloud company helps Florida ranchers and farmers sell fresh, locally grown foods to Florida restaurants and hotels. A Daytona Beach graduate company is gearing up to mass-produce its patented wind turbines that out perform anything on the market. A client company in Kissimmee recently completed filming a feature length motion picture.
In Leesburg, a client company produces award winning video series on healthcare and is doing it so well that the National Business Incubation Association awarded them the title of 2012 Outstanding Incubator Client in the Non-technology category. A client company in the Central Florida Research Park developed a GIS platform that helps disaster management agencies cope with tornadoes and hurricanes.
The UCF Business Incubation Program is one of thousands of similar programs nationwide. At UCF, client companies range from industry leaders in laser photonics, simulation technology, rapid prototyping, web development and alternative energy to a commercial delivery service for area restaurants.
America’s greatness lies in our ability to adapt to new conditions with innovation and enthusiasm. That spirit of innovation, enthusiasm combined with perseverance and an entrepreneurial culture is what made America so prosperous for so long. It continues to be played out daily in small, young startup companies all across the country.
What can we really do? Increase the success rate of these companies and you create greater prosperity. A recent study reported that five-year survival rate of Florida establishments is 37 percent. That value places Florida dead last in the US in that statistical category. That’s right, 50th. Without even passing judgment on the good or bad thing, just think of the consequences of increasing that rate by 5% or 10%. Cultivation of fertile ground wherein companies can be successful benefits everyone.
Not all companies will survive, but we should create a nurturing environment where an entrepreneur’s lack of experience can be mitigated and pure market forces can be the major determining factor in their survival rate. That’s where you’ll find the real wealth of our region and nation!
(Ed Note. Dr. Tom O’Neal associate vice president for Research and Commercialization at the University of Central Florida is founder and executive director of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and president of the Florida Business Incubation Assn.)
As America searches for solutions to its economic woes, one of the most innovative and productive job creating engines is being overlooked. It’s a case of not seeing the trees for the forest.
A recent national study came to a compelling conclusion nationwide, it’s the young, small startup companies that are creating the most new jobs — about three million annually. And if you look deeper, you will see that it’s a small number of small companies – usually young in their existence – creating these jobs.
Last year, the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program graduated more than 20 companies that are now succeeding with further assistance from the UCF programs such as GrowFL. And they are creating jobs.
Last year UCF accepted a record number of 64 new startup companies. Over the last 10 years, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 client companies that in 2011 accounted for more than 1,600 new jobs.
What kinds of businesses are these?
A St. Cloud company helps Florida ranchers and farmers sell fresh, locally grown foods to Florida restaurants and hotels. A Daytona Beach graduate company is gearing up to mass-produce its patented wind turbines that out perform anything on the market. A client company in Kissimmee recently completed filming a feature length motion picture.
In Leesburg, a client company produces award winning video series on healthcare and is doing it so well that the National Business Incubation Association awarded them the title of 2012 Outstanding Incubator Client in the Non-technology category. A client company in the Central Florida Research Park developed a GIS platform that helps disaster management agencies cope with tornadoes and hurricanes.
The UCF Business Incubation Program is one of thousands of similar programs nationwide. At UCF, client companies range from industry leaders in laser photonics, simulation technology, rapid prototyping, web development and alternative energy to a commercial delivery service for area restaurants.
America’s greatness lies in our ability to adapt to new conditions with innovation and enthusiasm. That spirit of innovation, enthusiasm combined with perseverance and an entrepreneurial culture is what made America so prosperous for so long. It continues to be played out daily in small, young startup companies all across the country.
What can we really do? Increase the success rate of these companies and you create greater prosperity. A recent study reported that five-year survival rate of Florida establishments is 37 percent. That value places Florida dead last in the US in that statistical category. That’s right, 50th. Without even passing judgment on the good or bad thing, just think of the consequences of increasing that rate by 5% or 10%. Cultivation of fertile ground wherein companies can be successful benefits everyone.
Not all companies will survive, but we should create a nurturing environment where an entrepreneur’s lack of experience can be mitigated and pure market forces can be the major determining factor in their survival rate. That’s where you’ll find the real wealth of our region and nation!
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty sale of Auburndale Estate to Canadian buyer nets highest price in more than a year
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently sold an estate home in Auburndale to a Canadian farmer who paid the highest price for any residential property in the Auburndale area in more than a year.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Luxury Home Specialist Chris Wilson in the firm’s Orlando/Dr. Phillip’s Marketing Center negotiated the sale.
By all accounts, the estate was well worth the record price.
Situated on 20 hilltop acres with lake views, the property is already zoned RL-2, which allows two to five units per acre if developed.
The 4,400 square foot Arthur Rutenberg home offers four bedrooms, three baths, a game room and a tropical screened pool and spa, a three car garage and its own spring-fed pond.
A 5,000 square foot custom metal building on the site is fully air conditioned with offices, bathroom facilities, a car lift and 18 foot doors, Wilson said.
“The sale we negotiated represents the highest price paid for any residential property in Auburndale for more than a year.”
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, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Luxury Home Specialist Chris Wilson in the firm’s Orlando/Dr. Phillip’s Marketing Center negotiated the sale.
By all accounts, the estate was well worth the record price.
Situated on 20 hilltop acres with lake views, the property is already zoned RL-2, which allows two to five units per acre if developed.
The 4,400 square foot Arthur Rutenberg home offers four bedrooms, three baths, a game room and a tropical screened pool and spa, a three car garage and its own spring-fed pond.
A 5,000 square foot custom metal building on the site is fully air conditioned with offices, bathroom facilities, a car lift and 18 foot doors, Wilson said.
“The sale we negotiated represents the highest price paid for any residential property in Auburndale for more than a year.”
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, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.
Two Ready-To-Move-In Homes Are Now Available at Mira Bay in Apollo Beach in Tampa Bay region
TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes now has two ready-to-move-in homes available at its community of Mira Bay in Apollo Beach in the Tampa Bay region.
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said one of the homes has three bedrooms, with 2,234 square feet of living area, while the other, a four bedroom home has 2,705 square feet.
The two ready-to-move-in homes at Mira Bay are priced from $269,990, Roche said.
Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said one of the homes has three bedrooms, with 2,234 square feet of living area, while the other, a four bedroom home has 2,705 square feet.
The two ready-to-move-in homes at Mira Bay are priced from $269,990, Roche said.
Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .
CUHACI & PETERSON ARCHITECTS NAMES THREE NEW PROFESSIONALS TO STAFF
ORLANDO, Fla – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently named three new professionals to its staff, Lonnie Peterson, chairman, said.
Manuel Gonzalez who was named an architectural graduate received his Bachelor of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and has more than 12 years of experience in the industry.
Marcos Del Orbe who was named senior project coordinator holds a Bachelors of Design from the University of Florida and has 19 years of experience in the industry.
Keith Brown, named permitting coordinator, attended Valencia College and has 12 years of experience in the industry.
Manuel Gonzalez who was named an architectural graduate received his Bachelor of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and has more than 12 years of experience in the industry.
Marcos Del Orbe who was named senior project coordinator holds a Bachelors of Design from the University of Florida and has 19 years of experience in the industry.
Keith Brown, named permitting coordinator, attended Valencia College and has 12 years of experience in the industry.
Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Design Interior for New York Diner near Orlando International Airport
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects was recently awarded a contract to design the interior of the New York Diner located at Orlando Gateway on S.R. 436 and the Beachline Expressway near Orlando International Airport.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the design project totals 4,800 square feet of restaurant space.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the design project totals 4,800 square feet of restaurant space.
Cuhaci & Peterson selected to design four Aldi Supermarkets in North and South Carolina and in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park has been awarded a contract to design four Aldi Supermarkets in located in North and South Carolina and Orlando
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said each of the supermarket facilities will total 18,000 square feet of retail space.
The Aldi Supermarket facilities are located in Salisbury and Indian Trails, N.C., in Columbia, S.C. and at U.S. 192 and Vineland Rd. in Southwest Orlando near Disney World.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said each of the supermarket facilities will total 18,000 square feet of retail space.
The Aldi Supermarket facilities are located in Salisbury and Indian Trails, N.C., in Columbia, S.C. and at U.S. 192 and Vineland Rd. in Southwest Orlando near Disney World.
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